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Why the NBA embraces players who refuse to 'stick to sports'

ABC10's Lina Washington explores why the NBA embraces the players, coaches and owners who choose to speak out against social issues with local sports talk radio host, Damien Barling.

The NBA has earned a reputation as the 'most progressive professional league' among the four major American sports thanks, in part, to commissioner Adam Silver.

One of Silver's first major decisions as commissioner of the NBA was banning former Clippers owner, Donald Sterling, from the league for life after an audio recording of racist statements were made public by TMZ. The decision came less than 90 days into Silver's tenure.

Since then, Silver has watched as the league's biggest stars use their platforms to speak on social issues. Silver, along with the National Basketball Players Association's (NBPA) Executive Director, Michele Roberts, have even encouraged those throughout the league to engage with social issues they are passionate about.

But, it's not just the players who have been vocal about issues. Coaches, such as Golden State Warriors' Steve Kerr, San Antonio Spurs' Gregg Popovich, and Detroit Pistons' Stan Van Gundy, have gone on record numerous times with their stance on issues like gun control and racism in America.

Follow the conversation with Lina Washington on Facebook at Facebook.com/LWashingtonABC10.

Follow Lina Washington on Twitter and Instagram at @LWashingtonTV.

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