With a recent increase in police shootings causing more fear and concern in America over the issue of racial profiling and gun violence, athletes have a position to not distract us from the problems, but call for change. To call for real movement and influence in communities rather than simply making a generic statement that something needs to change. NBA players are becoming especially progressive and inspiring in this regard, and Chris Paul joined close friends Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James to open the ESPYs with powerful speeches.
To call for change to policing, racial profiling and the injustice that has occurred recently, highlighted by the shootings of black men Alton Sterling and Philando Castile before the police shootings in Dallas, each player gave a speech to encourage other athletes to step up and take action.