Bleacher Report Highlights NBA’s Diversity and Inclusion Efforts with Athlete Ally
Photo by Kurt Brungardt
Via Jared Zwerling, Bleacher Report
In an article entitled NBA Trends: Ex-Players Turned Coaches, Melo’s Boxing, Playoff Playlists and More from Bleacher Report, Jared Zwerling examines trends in the league that seem to be here to stay. From Jerry Stackhouse’s desire to be a coach to social equality efforts that are well underway, the piece highlights the the NBA’s ongoing relationship with Athlete Ally, as well.
Referencing the league’s Rookie Development Program, he writes:
“It includes a session on respect and inclusion that covers all issues and variations of diversity—race, ethnicity, orientation, etc. For the past several years, the league has partnered in the session with Athlete Ally, a non-profit organization focused on ending homophobia and transphobia in sports through educating athletes and encouraging them to take a stand.
The group discusses the importance of language and works to show players how to be allies with people from different backgrounds and orientations. If any of them disagree with the beliefs or practices of another, the training teaches them how not to be offensive or perpetuate bias and bigotry.
“When they come into the league, these are the first things they understand,” said Kevin Carr, the NBA’s vice president of social responsibility and player programs. “When they’re part of an organization, they learn to have respect for diversity and inclusion, and treating people fairly—covering the workplace, sexual orientation, race, color, age, gender, all that.”
Athlete Ally is a proud partner of the NBA, and works directly with the NBPA and Kenneth Faried of the Denver Nuggets.