Chris Webber gives emotional speech in support of NBA players (Video)

Chris Webber was touched by the Jacob Blake protests.

In wake of the shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin, the Milwaukee Bucks decided not to play in Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday.

Their solidarity strike, which prompted identical moves from the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers, and Los Angeles Lakers, as well as the WNBA, has received praise from across the NBA media landscape, especially in the form of a particularly emotional speech from former player and current TNT analyst Chris Webber.

Webber went on a long diatribe in which he claimed that those fighting for racial equality and police accountability should continue to fight on every single day, even if the returns in the short-term might be a bit discouraging.

Chris Webber mentioned some tough conversations he has had with young family members

Webber knows that these protests are laying the groundwork for future demonstrations down the line. While he does say that activists need to “have a plan,” he did take the time to acknowledge all the young demonstrators who are going above and beyond, as the initiative and passion behind these protests could serve as a catalyst for change.

Webber made sure to mention how events like the Blake shooting have taken a toll on his family, as he has had serious conversations with the younger members  of his family about death “before they’ve even seen it in a movie.” The fact that this situation has become a reality in 2020 is one of the main reasons players are so passionate about fighting for police accountability.

Webber might’ve had a legendary college career at Michigan and averaged close to 20 points and 10 rebounds per game during his long NBA career, but it’s clear that he believes his fame and notoriety doesn’t exclude him from empathizing with those affected by police brutality and those protesting it, and to use his platform for good when he’s able to do so.