The decision to protest and sympathize with the Black Lives Matter movement on the heels of the Jacob Blake shooting was a seminal moment in NBA history, one that was filled with tense discussions between players and union representatives. The reported heated exchange between NBPA executive director Michele Roberts and Los Angeles Clippers guard Patrick Beverley caught the eye of many, including Los Angeles Lakers veteran Jared Dudley.

The longtime journeyman sat down with Sam Amick of The Athletic to explain his perspective on the matter:

“I thought Pat Bev was a perfect person to have in that meeting,” said Dudley. “You have to have someone who is on the other side of the spectrum. His thing early on was, ‘What is the plan?’ That’s what he was screaming early on. And then the whole Michele Roberts thing was basically – he was emotional at that time to try and figure out the plan. And he was talking one time, and basically said, ‘Please let me talk.’

“Now listen, when you’re talking to a grown, Black woman – and we all have mothers like that and stuff like that – emotions run high. So I believe he could’ve said it in a different way, but not at (any) point in time did I think he was trying to be disrespectful. That’s what I would say for Pat Bev. And that’s saying it about someone who’s a rival, playing for Clippers.”

Jared Dudley didn't besmirch Patrick Beverley, despite the latter's reputation as a chippy player who often instigates conflict. According to the original report by Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports, Chris Paul and LeBron James stopped Beverley in his tracks and told him no disrespect would be tolerated.

Some of his Clippers teammates went on to refute the initial report, noting there was no animosity or desire for conflict — some like Ivica Zubac denied the altercation even took place.

Eventually, both sides came to an agreement and Patrick Beverley is now in line to continue a long postseason run:

“But as you see right now, Pat Bev – and I don’t want to put words in his mouth – but I think he’s satisfied with what’s going on, it seems. He’s continued to play,” said Dudley. “I know he’s going out there getting ready to play now, and it’s not like he’s going home. So at no point in time did he want to be disrespectful, that I took from it. For me, personally.”

All in all, the NBA resumed after a three-day hiatus, resolving on more actionable ideas to enact change in their communities.