While it's not unusual for some NBA players to have “Jr.” attached to their names, Los Angeles Clippers forward Marcus Morris is the only one who has “Sr.” plastered on his jersey. The touching gesture is an ode to Morris' namesake and firstborn son.
But once the 2019-20 NBA regular season resumes on July 31, Morris has elected to flash the social justice message “Education Reform” at the back of his uniform.
“This is bigger,” Morris said, per Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated. “Obviously, all our purposes are bigger. Guys know who I am. The world knows who I am. I just want to address some social issues.”
In support of the Black Lives Matter movement, NBA players are given an option to replace their surnames with 30 pre-approved social justice messages. Marcus Morris further explained the importance of proper education reform to raise awareness for future generations.
“Black Lives Matter. That’s first. People have lost their lives to senseless cop actions. That is first. I just wanted to do something deeper in the community. I am from that. So, I understand the transition. As a community, we can start there [with education reform] in doing some things,” he added.
The 30-year-old stretch-four bared that he will also use a jersey with the word “Equality” during the season.
NBA players, meanwhile, are given an option to revert to their names after four days of the resumed season. Morris, however, promised to spread the message much longer than that.
“I am going to continue to use it,” Morris said. “Four days, that is nothing. Everybody can tune in every other day and see that. As this message continues to get pushed and gets bigger, I’m just willing to wear it the entire season,” he said.
Marcus Morris is in his first season as a Clipper after joining the team via trade last February. He averaged 9.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 12 appearances.
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