Pelicans, Jazz unite in protest ahead of NBA's restart

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The New Orleans Pelicans and Utah Jazz kicked off the NBA’s restart with a joint protest aimed at calling attention to several social justice issues. 

Players and coaches from both teams knelt during the playing of the national anthem, which was performed by New Orleans native Jon Batiste.

The @PelicansNBA & @utahjazz kneel for the National Anthem ahead of the NBA restart. pic.twitter.com/TCFolP06HM

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) July 30, 2020

The Pelicans released a statement in support of the demonstration: 

“The New Orleans Pelicans stand by the ideals of freedom of speech and the right to peacefully protest. Collectively with the Utah Jazz, our organization joins the NBA in supporting our players and coaches. To promote meaningful change relative to social justice and racial equality, the New Orleans Pelicans have partnered with our players, staff and coaches to create a Social Justice Leadership Alliance committed to furthering the discussion, listening and learning and taking action to make positive change in our community and our country.”