The death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg last Friday night was felt in the NBA and all around sports, with individuals and organizations giving an outpouring of tributes. Among those to give their tributes was the WNBA, which released a statement and a video montage ahead of a semifinal game between Las Vegas and Connecticut.
The NBA, in contrast, did not officially acknowledge her passing and impact in the country, though a few players and teams tweeted out statements:
The Brooklyn Nets mourn the loss of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a Brooklyn icon and titan of the judiciary, who fought every day of her life for justice and equality.
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) September 19, 2020
A trailblazer and icon, Ruth Bader Ginsburg dedicated herself to movements effecting change from the ground up.
“Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.”
Voting is a step.
Rest knowing we will not rest ❤️ pic.twitter.com/tP5LjgAmV8
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) September 19, 2020
ESPN’s Rachel Nichols took notice and paid tribute to Ginsburg in a video essay while calling out the league for not honoring her:
Why wasn't Ruth Bader Ginsburg honored by the NBA this weekend? In a league that absolutely holds equality as a core value, the icons of that equality can’t only include those who helped the men we see on TV, but those who paved the way for the women who work right alongside them pic.twitter.com/UiTktdFr5w
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) September 21, 2020
In the video essay, Nichols notes that the league, its teams, players, and coaches honored civil rights icon John Lewis in July. The NBA also honored actor Chadwick Boseman after his passing in August, along with former player Clifford Robinson and college coach Lute Olson.
Nichols said that she was surprised and disappointed when the NBA chose not to honor Ginsburg in the same way the league honored other icons of equality. She adds that the league is stronger because of the women who work in and around the league.
Some of the most notable women in and around the NBA are Becky Hammon (assistant for the San Antonio Spurs), Michele Roberts (executive director of the NBPA), and broadcasters like Doris Burke, Kristen Ledlow, and Allie LaForce, who are important part of the games.
Nichols ended her video essay by acknowledging Ginsburg’s impact in making women stronger and giving them opportunities.
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