The ESPYs is of the biggest awards shows in the world, recognizing athletes across all sports for their remarkable performances and differences made on and off the field. Due to the show’s popularity, it presented the perfect stage for four superstars to get up and convince their fellow athletes to take a stand against violence and racial unjust.
LeBron James, Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade, and Carmelo Anthony opened up the 2016 ESPYs by delivering a short speech, pleading that athletes get more involved in the communities that shaped them and, specifically, do their part in stopping the gun violence that has become more and more prevalent.
Good Morning America tweeted the short talks from four of the biggest names in athletics, and T.J. Holmes of ABC news reported by that the four men approached ABC and asked to open the program:
WATCH: "We all have to do better." - @KingJames #ESPYS https://t.co/PsqLjscT7I
— Good Morning America (@GMA) July 14, 2016
WATCH: "Racial profiling has to stop… but also the retaliation has to stop. Enough is enough." -@DwyaneWade #ESPYS https://t.co/p7twmTATLt
— Good Morning America (@GMA) July 14, 2016
WATCH: "We stand here accepting our role in uniting communities." - @CP3 #ESPYS https://t.co/bMS6VrrF07
— Good Morning America (@GMA) July 14, 2016
WATCH: "We can't ignore the reality of the current state of America." - @carmeloanthony https://t.co/V7KMxkzMzv
— Good Morning America (@GMA) July 14, 2016
This call to action is coming not too long after police killed Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, and a sniper in Dallas shot and killed five police officers during a peaceful protest.
