NBA Commish: Athletes Should Speak Out on Issues Other Than Sports

NBA commissioner Adam Silver said that athletes should feel free to speak out to affect political change.

"Whether it’s issues of race and gender, health, mental wellness or technology in media, what we all do in this room matters day in and day out,” Silver said Wednesday night at the Sports Business Awards, The Hill reported.

"I encourage all of you not to stick to sports. Do not stick to sports. Embrace it, celebrate it, and let’s use it to build bridges and bring people together,” Silver said.

"Sports has never been more important than it is now, and what we do matters,” Silver said at the event, Sports Business Daily reported.

Silver’s comments came hours after owners in the National Football League approved a policy Wednesday that said players would be required to stand for the national anthem if they come to the field.

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