Members of the Los Angeles Lakers and the Miami Heat kneel during the National Anthem before Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday, September 30.
In photos: The sports world has been taking a stand
Members of the Los Angeles Lakers and the Miami Heat kneel during the National Anthem before Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday, September 30.
Mark J. Terrill/AP

Updated 12:53 PM EDT, Thu October 1, 2020

Since the death of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man who was killed in police custody in May, many athletes and sports leagues have been throwing their support behind the protest movement calling for change.

The NFL was the latest league to make a statement, starting its 2020 season with messages in the end zones that said "End Racism" and "It Takes All of Us." In each Week 1 contest, there was also a pregame playing of the hymn "Lift Every Voice and Sing," which is known as the Black National Anthem.

In some stadiums, teams gathered together on the field to lock arms in a pregame "moment of unity." A few players across the league took a knee or raised a fist during the playing of "The Star-Spangled Banner."

The NBA's Milwaukee Bucks made headlines in August when they decided to boycott a playoff game against the Orlando Magic. The Bucks were responding to the police shooting of Jacob Blake, which happened in Kenosha, Wisconsin, about 40 miles from Milwaukee.

The NBA went on to postpone all three of its playoff games that day, and other leagues followed suit: the WNBA, Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer all called off games. The NBA and the WNBA also postponed their games the next day, as did the NHL and some baseball teams.

Since the NBA restarted its season, the words "Black Lives Matter" have been prominently displayed on its court and players have been sporting social-justice messages on the backs of their jerseys. But they aren't the only athletes who have been taking a stand.

The Philadelphia Eagles and the Washington Football Team stand together before their NFL season opener on September 13.
The Philadelphia Eagles and the Washington Football Team stand together before their NFL season opener on September 13.
Greg Fiume/Getty Images
Tyler Wright, a two-time World Surf League Champion, takes a knee before competing in an event in Tweed Heads South, Australia, on September 13.
Tyler Wright, a two-time World Surf League Champion, takes a knee before competing in an event in Tweed Heads South, Australia, on September 13.
Matt Dunbar/World Surf League/Getty Images
Tennis star Naomi Osaka wears a face mask with Tamir Rice's name before winning the US Open final on September 12. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/11/tennis/naomi-osaka-us-open-face-mask-spt-intl/index.html" target="_blank">Osaka wore a different name</a> for each of her seven matches. Rice, a 12-year-old boy, was killed by police gunfire in Cleveland while he was holding a toy replica pistol in 2014.
Tennis star Naomi Osaka wears a face mask with Tamir Rice's name before winning the US Open final on September 12. Osaka wore a different name for each of her seven matches. Rice, a 12-year-old boy, was killed by police gunfire in Cleveland while he was holding a toy replica pistol in 2014.
Al Bello/Getty Images
Chelsea's Pernille Harder walks out for a warm-up before a soccer match in Leigh, England, on September 6.
Chelsea's Pernille Harder walks out for a warm-up before a soccer match in Leigh, England, on September 6.
Harriet Lander/Chelsea FC/Getty Images
The University of Alabama football team, led by coach Nick Saban, marches on campus in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
The University of Alabama football team, led by coach Nick Saban, marches on campus in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Vasha Hunt/AP
Black Lives Matter signage is seen in New York's Louis Armstrong Stadium as Cori Gauff plays against Anastasija Sevastova at the US Open.
Black Lives Matter signage is seen in New York's Louis Armstrong Stadium as Cori Gauff plays against Anastasija Sevastova at the US Open.
Al Bello/Getty Images
Members of the WNBA's Indiana Fever wear Black Lives Matter shirts before their game against the Chicago Sky on August 31.
Members of the WNBA's Indiana Fever wear Black Lives Matter shirts before their game against the Chicago Sky on August 31.
Ned Dishman/NBAE/Getty Images
Miami Marlins outfielder Lewis Brinson walks off the field August 27 after placing a Black Lives Matter T-shirt on home plate in New York. The Marlins and New York Mets walked off the field after a moment of silence, choosing not to play their scheduled baseball game.
Miami Marlins outfielder Lewis Brinson walks off the field August 27 after placing a Black Lives Matter T-shirt on home plate in New York. The Marlins and New York Mets walked off the field after a moment of silence, choosing not to play their scheduled baseball game.
John Minchillo/AP
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders wears Jacob Blake's name on his helmet during a practice on August 27.
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders wears Jacob Blake's name on his helmet during a practice on August 27.
David Grunfeld/The Advocate/Pool/AP
The Washington Mystics pay tribute to Jacob Blake after <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/27/us/nba-mlb-wnba-strike-sports/index.html" target="_blank">their WNBA game was postponed</a> in Palmetto, Florida, on August 26.
The Washington Mystics pay tribute to Jacob Blake after their WNBA game was postponed in Palmetto, Florida, on August 26.
Julio Aguilar/Getty Images
A grounds crew covers the field at San Francisco's Oracle Park after a Major League Baseball game was postponed on August 26.
A grounds crew covers the field at San Francisco's Oracle Park after a Major League Baseball game was postponed on August 26.
Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images
The Milwaukee Bucks make a statement to the media after <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/26/sport/milwaukee-bucks-boycott-playoff-game/index.html" target="_blank">boycotting a playoff game</a> on August 26.
The Milwaukee Bucks make a statement to the media after boycotting a playoff game on August 26.
Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE/Getty Images
During a practice round for the BMW Championship, pro golfer Cameron Champ used his shoes to show his support for Blake and the Black Lives Matter movement.
During a practice round for the BMW Championship, pro golfer Cameron Champ used his shoes to show his support for Blake and the Black Lives Matter movement.
Keyur Khamar/PGA Tour/Getty Images
NBA superstar LeBron James has been one of the most outspoken athletes in recent months. "Having two boys of my own and me being African American in America and to see what continues to happen with the police brutality towards my kind, continue to see what goes on with just the (unjust), it's very troubling. It's very troubling," <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/24/us/lebron-james-and-other-sports-on-blake-shooting-trnd/index.html" target="_blank">James told Turner Sports' Jared Greenberg.</a> "My prayers go to (the Blake) family, and hopefully we can have some change."
NBA superstar LeBron James has been one of the most outspoken athletes in recent months. "Having two boys of my own and me being African American in America and to see what continues to happen with the police brutality towards my kind, continue to see what goes on with just the (unjust), it's very troubling. It's very troubling," James told Turner Sports' Jared Greenberg. "My prayers go to (the Blake) family, and hopefully we can have some change."
Jim Poorten/NBAE/Getty Images
"End racism" banners are shown in Toronto's Scotiabank Arena before an NHL playoff game on August 26.
"End racism" banners are shown in Toronto's Scotiabank Arena before an NHL playoff game on August 26.
Chase Agnello-Dean/NHLI/Getty Images
Doc Rivers, head coach of the NBA's Los Angeles Clippers, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/videos/sports/2020/08/26/clippers-coach-doc-rivers-jacob-blake-lz-granderson-nr-intv-vpx.cnn" target="_blank">became emotional</a> while talking about the Blake shooting and the Republican National Convention. "All you hear is Donald Trump and all of them talking about fear," Rivers said. "We're the ones getting killed. We're the ones getting shot. We're the ones who were denied to live in certain communities. We've been hung. We've been shot."
Doc Rivers, head coach of the NBA's Los Angeles Clippers, became emotional while talking about the Blake shooting and the Republican National Convention. "All you hear is Donald Trump and all of them talking about fear," Rivers said. "We're the ones getting killed. We're the ones getting shot. We're the ones who were denied to live in certain communities. We've been hung. We've been shot."
NBA
Detroit Lions defensive end Trey Flowers addresses the media with his teammates outside their practice facility on August 25. The Lions canceled their practice in light of the Blake shooting, and they discussed the incident in a team meeting that lasted hours. "We're going to spread our message; we're going to do it as a team," Flowers said. "We understand that somebody's going to try to skew the narrative ... get the message lost, but we're going to stay focused on the topic."
Detroit Lions defensive end Trey Flowers addresses the media with his teammates outside their practice facility on August 25. The Lions canceled their practice in light of the Blake shooting, and they discussed the incident in a team meeting that lasted hours. "We're going to spread our message; we're going to do it as a team," Flowers said. "We understand that somebody's going to try to skew the narrative ... get the message lost, but we're going to stay focused on the topic."
Carlos Osorio/AP
A Real Salt Lake fan sits in the stands after the Major League Soccer team had its game postponed on August 26.
A Real Salt Lake fan sits in the stands after the Major League Soccer team had its game postponed on August 26.
Rick Bowmer/AP
NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace <a href="https://twitter.com/BubbaWallace/status/1275141190824996864" target="_blank" target="_blank">tweeted this selfie</a> before a Cup Series race in Talladega, Alabama, on June 22. Fellow drivers and pit crew members <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/22/us/nascar-race-bubba-wallace-talladega/index.html" target="_blank">walked alongside Wallace's car</a> to show their support for him. Wallace, the only Black driver in NASCAR's top circuit, has been an outspoken advocate of the Black Lives Matter movement.
NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace tweeted this selfie before a Cup Series race in Talladega, Alabama, on June 22. Fellow drivers and pit crew members walked alongside Wallace's car to show their support for him. Wallace, the only Black driver in NASCAR's top circuit, has been an outspoken advocate of the Black Lives Matter movement.
From Bubba Wallace/Twitter
Members of the NHL's Colorado Avalanche, Vegas Golden Knights, Dallas Stars and Vancouver Canucks gather together after their playoff games were postponed in Edmonton, Alberta.
Members of the NHL's Colorado Avalanche, Vegas Golden Knights, Dallas Stars and Vancouver Canucks gather together after their playoff games were postponed in Edmonton, Alberta.
Andy Devlin/NHLI/Getty Images
The Black Lives Matter protests haven't been limited to just North America. Here, professional soccer players from Aston Villa and Sheffield United take a knee as their match kicked off in Birmingham, England, on June 17. Premier League teams sported the words "Black Lives Matter" on the back of their jerseys when <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/17/football/premier-league-restart-manchester-city-arsenal-aston-villa-sheffield-united-spt-intl/index.html" target="_blank">their seasons resumed.</a>
The Black Lives Matter protests haven't been limited to just North America. Here, professional soccer players from Aston Villa and Sheffield United take a knee as their match kicked off in Birmingham, England, on June 17. Premier League teams sported the words "Black Lives Matter" on the back of their jerseys when their seasons resumed.
Shaun Botterill/Pool/AFP/Getty Images
Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton raises his fist before a race in Northampton, England, on August 9.
Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton raises his fist before a race in Northampton, England, on August 9.
Bryn Lennon/Getty Images
Matt Dumba of the Minnesota Wild <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/01/us/nhl-matt-dumba-kneeling-national-anthem-spt-trnd/index.html" target="_blank">kneels during the US National Anthem</a> as it is played before an NHL game in Edmonton, Alberta, on August 1. Dumba, a member of the Hockey Diversity Alliance, gave a short speech before kneeling. He is circled by members of the Edmonton Oilers and the Chicago Blackhawks, who were about to play on the first day of the NHL's return.
Matt Dumba of the Minnesota Wild kneels during the US National Anthem as it is played before an NHL game in Edmonton, Alberta, on August 1. Dumba, a member of the Hockey Diversity Alliance, gave a short speech before kneeling. He is circled by members of the Edmonton Oilers and the Chicago Blackhawks, who were about to play on the first day of the NHL's return.
Jeff Vinnick/Getty Images
Soccer players from PSG and Lyon take a knee before a Champions League semifinal in Bilbao, Spain, on August 26.
Soccer players from PSG and Lyon take a knee before a Champions League semifinal in Bilbao, Spain, on August 26.
Alex Caparros/UEFA/Getty Images
Beach volleyball player April Ross wears a temporary Black Lives Matter tattoo during a match in Long Beach, California, on July 19.
Beach volleyball player April Ross wears a temporary Black Lives Matter tattoo during a match in Long Beach, California, on July 19.
Robert Beck/AVP/Getty Images
Tennis players Dan Evans and Kyle Edmund join match umpire James Keothavong in taking a knee in London on June 28.
Tennis players Dan Evans and Kyle Edmund join match umpire James Keothavong in taking a knee in London on June 28.
Clive Brunskill/Getty Images for Battle Of The Brits
Cricketers with the Kent Spitfires take a knee during a match in Canterbury, England.
Cricketers with the Kent Spitfires take a knee during a match in Canterbury, England.
Gareth Fuller/PA Images/Getty Images
Formula One driver Kimi Raikkonen wears an "end racism" shirt before a race in Barcelona, Spain, on August 16.
Formula One driver Kimi Raikkonen wears an "end racism" shirt before a race in Barcelona, Spain, on August 16.
Mario Renzi/Formula 1/Getty Images
Members of the Trinbago Knight Riders kneel before a cricket match in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.
Members of the Trinbago Knight Riders kneel before a cricket match in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.
Randy Brooks/CPL T20/Getty Images
The Washington Nationals observe a moment of silence before <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/22/us/gallery/baseball-begins-2020/index.html" target="_blank">Major League Baseball's opening game</a> on July 23. Their opponents, The New York Yankees, also took a knee, and the initials BLM were on the pitcher's mound for the game.
The Washington Nationals observe a moment of silence before Major League Baseball's opening game on July 23. Their opponents, The New York Yankees, also took a knee, and the initials BLM were on the pitcher's mound for the game.
Alex Trautwig/MLB Photos/Getty Images
Major League Soccer players participate in a pregame ceremony before the league's restart on July 8.
Major League Soccer players participate in a pregame ceremony before the league's restart on July 8.
Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
Houston Dynamo goalkeeper Cody Cropper warms up in a Black Lives Matter T-shirt on August 25.
Houston Dynamo goalkeeper Cody Cropper warms up in a Black Lives Matter T-shirt on August 25.
Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire/Getty Images
The Boston Red Sox Foundation put this sign behind Fenway Park's famous "Green Monster" outfield wall.
The Boston Red Sox Foundation put this sign behind Fenway Park's famous "Green Monster" outfield wall.
Stan Grossfeld/The Boston Globe/Getty Images
Rugby players from Bath and Northampton show their support before a game in Northampton, England.
Rugby players from Bath and Northampton show their support before a game in Northampton, England.
Joe Giddens/PA Images/Getty Images
Kansas City outfielder Jorge Soler catches a ball in front of a George Floyd sign in Minneapolis on August 15.
Kansas City outfielder Jorge Soler catches a ball in front of a George Floyd sign in Minneapolis on August 15.
Bruce Kluckhohn/AP
A Houston Dash player wears a Black Lives Matter armband before a NWSL match in Herriman, Utah, on July 17.
A Houston Dash player wears a Black Lives Matter armband before a NWSL match in Herriman, Utah, on July 17.
Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
After winning the Champions League, Bayern Munich defender David Alaba wears a shirt that says "Black Lives Still Matter."
After winning the Champions League, Bayern Munich defender David Alaba wears a shirt that says "Black Lives Still Matter."
David Ramos/Pool/AFP/Getty Images
A Black Lives Matter sign is seen during a Major League Soccer match in Harrison, New Jersey, on August 24.
A Black Lives Matter sign is seen during a Major League Soccer match in Harrison, New Jersey, on August 24.
Ira L. Black/Corbis/Getty Images
Members of the San Antonio Spurs huddle before a game against Sacramento on July 31.
Members of the San Antonio Spurs huddle before a game against Sacramento on July 31.
Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports
Kilmarnock manager Alex Dyer, second from right, takes a knee before a soccer match in Glasgow, Scotland.
Kilmarnock manager Alex Dyer, second from right, takes a knee before a soccer match in Glasgow, Scotland.
Jane Barlow/PA Images/Getty Images
Members of the Orlando Magic and Brooklyn Nets kneel during the National Anthem before the start of an NBA game on July 31.
Members of the Orlando Magic and Brooklyn Nets kneel during the National Anthem before the start of an NBA game on July 31.
Ashley Landis/Pool/AP