Silver supports NBA players speaking out on social issues

New York, February 19: NBA commissioner Adam Silver reiterated his support for players speaking out on social issues.

One storyline making headlines ahead of the NBA-All Star Game involved prominent players speaking out, including powerful words from LeBron James and Kevin Durant.

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Some of the comments created controversy within the media, but in an interview on NBA TV, Silver said he supported players using their platforms to raise awareness.

Silver told the All-Stars ahead of the game: "Number one, we support you. Your player association and the league supports you in using your voices on important issues."

"I think it's important that our fans understand these are multi-dimensional people," Silver said. "They aren't just basketball players. It's not just about dribbling a basketball. They're citizens, they're husbands, they're fathers, they're members of communities."

Silver also pointed to the large platform that many of the players have created.

"This is players taking matters into their own hands and creating platforms that have millions of followers," Silver said. "It begins on their platform but if it's something newsworthy, then other sites report on it.

"So I think it's fantastic and other people don't have to agree with everything they're saying. I'm comfortable with people disagreeing as well and I don't agree with everything the players say, but it's about the platform and it's the opportunity to express themselves."

Source: OPTA