The NBA is calling for an end to gun violence. The basketball association is teaming up with Everytown for Gun Safety to release a series of public service announcements to be televised during games on Christmas Day, the New York Times reported.
The TV spots focus on victims of gun violence, who recount their stories along with NBA players who bring their own unique perspectives.
“My parents used to say, ‘A bullet doesn’t have a name on it,’” Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul says in the ad.
The Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry mentions hearing about a shooting involving a 3-year-old girl.
“My daughter Riley’s that age,” Curry says.
Also featured in the videos are Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks, Joakim Noah on the Chicago Bulls and other gun violence survivors in the Everytown Survivor Network.
“We’re Americans. We don’t have to live like this,” says Richard Martinez, who in the video is holding up a poster-sized photo of his son, Christopher Michaels-Martinez, who was killed by a deranged 22-year-old gunman in Isla Vista, California.
The first ad ends with several people chanting the mantra “In the United States, 88 people die from gun violence every day,” and a voice says “We can end gun violence” over the Everytown and NBA logos.
Everytown bankrolled the ads and partnered with filmmaker Spike Lee to direct them. The initiative is part of the “End Gun Violence” campaign.
The NBA told the Times its support of ending gun violence is unwavering and partnering with the gun control group was a no-brainer.
“We know far too many people who have been caught up in gun violence in this country,” said Kathleen Behrens, the league’s president of social responsibility and player programs. “And we can do something about it.”
Behrens added she wasn’t worried about any political implications.
“Athletes, law enforcement, gun violence survivors, moms, community leaders, and millions of Americans all know the impact of gun violence on our country,” said John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety, in a statement. “We’re proud to join with the NBA, these NBA stars, and Spike Lee to highlight stories of gun violence in America and bring people together to address the problem. This partnership shows the wide range of people who are willing to speak up and be a part of our growing movement.”
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