NBA rumors: Some players want season canceled amid racial injustice issues, claims Matt Barnes

According to Matt Barnes, some players feel the 2019-20 NBA season should be canceled due to the current social climate in the United States.

After months of waiting and uncertainty, the NBA recently finalized a return-to-play plan this past week. However, some players apparently feel the season should be canceled due to the current social climate.

During an interview with Josiah Johnson, former NBA player Matt Barnes said both he and rapper Snoop Dogg have heard from various players they do not feel comfortable resuming the season.

I chopped it up with Matt Barnes and he said he’s spoken to players and some wanted the season cancelled to focus on addressing the injustices in the Black community.

Full interview tomorrow on @DunkBait https://t.co/KxJEO0vlB0

— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) June 7, 2020

It is especially notable to hear Barnes say members of the Los Angles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers have voiced their discomfort. The crosstown rivals are the two best teams in the Western Conference, and both squads figure to have an excellent shot at winning the NBA title when play restarts in July.

Of course, some things are bigger than basketball.

The death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers has caused a surge of social activism and protests against racial injustice in the United States.

A number of NBA players have taken part in protests in the past couple of weeks. In fact, the Milwaukee Bucks led a march from their arena on Sunday afternoon, while players like Jaylen Brown, Russell Westbrook and DeMar DeRozan have all led protests in their hometowns.

It is only natural that players throughout the league would feel so strongly about fighting racism. Players of color made up nearly 82 percent of the NBA during the 2018-19 season.

For now though, this is all hearsay.

LeBron James has been among the most vocal players on social media, but he has also been preparing his teammates for the resumption of play in July.

Nevertheless, this is a time of social unrest and frustration. In a league dominated by people of color and African Americans in particular, it is imperative the NBA assures players are comfortable returning to the hardwood.