By Canadian Press

Raptors Davis and Ibaka use media call to appeal for justice for Breonna Taylor

Jul 22, 2020 | 11:22 AM

Terence Davis is using his platform for things bigger than basketball.

In Wednesday’s media availability, the Toronto Raptors rookie’s message was brief and direct. He answered his one question — about basketball — with a message about Breonna Taylor, the 26-year-old who was shot and killed by police officers on March 13.

“A lot of the guys, we’re united right now. We’re just keeping the focus on Breonna Taylor’s killers. That’s what I want to keep the focus on this week,” the 23-year-old said. 

“It’s nothing against you guys – and I can answer all of you guys’ questions post-game or any time after we’re playing — but right now I just want to keep the focus on what’s really going on in the world. There’s a lot of social injustice going on and I just want to make sure that I’m doing the right thing and using my platform, as well as other athletes, to just continue with this thing, man.”

Davis’ thoughts came two days after Sixers forward Tobias Harris used his media availability to send the same message.

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“We all stand united. We don’t all have to be on the same team but we’re still united in the league. I just want to keep the focus on Breonna Taylor’s killers and just keep that going, man, because it’s still going on in the world,” said Davis.

He then said goodbye to reporters, stood up and walked away.

Both the NBA and WNBA are using their restarts after the COVID-19 hiatus to amplify social and racial justice messages.

Raptors veteran forward Serge Ibaka echoed Davis’s sentiments.

The 30-year-old was asked how he’s keeping himself busy in the NBA bubble at Walt Disney World.

“Right now with what is going on around the world, I’m trying to focus more on that. . .,” Ibaka said. “Justice and equality, that is what we are trying to fight for now.”

Ibaka, who held a virtual talent show on Instagram early in the coronavirus lockdown, said he was hoping to create a show that would allow NBA players the opportunity to share their thoughts on Black Lives Matter issues.   

“I’m sure you know, but we want justice for Breonna Taylor and that is something we are trying to fight for, any player in the league, any player on my team, we try to fight for,” he said. “I think she deserves justice so my focus right now is on that.”

The Congolese big man said the racial unrest in the U.S. is going to be felt in all parts of the world.  

“If we can fight for change here, that change is going to affect everywhere,” he said. “Like you saw when people started protesting in the United States, and then guess what? It led to people out in the streets protesting (everywhere).

“The fact that we are protesting here is bigger than just here. It is going to affect everywhere.”

CJ McCollum, a shooting guard for the Portland Trail Blazers, told reporters that he and some other NBA players spoke with Taylor’s mother on a conference call recently.

Taylor’s mom Tamika told TMZ she appreciates how NBA and WNBA players are keeping a spotlight on her daughter’s death.

“Everyone raising their voices for justice are what keeps this family going each day,” Tamika Palmer said. “What is being done by the NBA and the WNBA is amazing. Now, it’s time for the attorney general to listen, to charge everyone responsible for Bree’s murder and to get overdue justice.

“Bree should be with us. The world was a better place with her.”

Taylor was fatally shot at least eight times in Louisville, Ky., after police officers executed a no-knock search warrant.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 22, 2020.

Lori Ewing , The Canadian Press