clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Draymond Green: RISE-ing to the occasion to end racial discrimination

The golden “Sideline Racism” shoes the Warriors’ star wore in the MLK Day game against the Cavs was a moment, but his continued work with RISE is an important movement at a critical time in our nation’s history.

If you buy something from an SB Nation link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.

Golden State Warriors Victory Parade And Rally
Draymond Green with Coach Steve Kerr at the Warriors’ 2015 NBA Championship Victory Parade.
Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

Draymond Green’s involvement at an event at San Jose State University (SJSU) on January 24th involved a different kind of screen than the ones he’s used to running with his superstar squad.

By video screen, Green joined Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jim Brown, Chris Webber, Anquan Boldin and other sports-world luminaries to celebrate the opening of SJSU’s Institute of the Study of Sport, Society, and Social Change, Green’s representative said.

During the panel discussion, Green used video messaging to donate his game-worn “Sideline Racism” sneakers to Dr. Harry Edwards and SJSU’s new institute. He also announced the next phase of his Ross Initiative in Sports Equality (RISE) activism.

To generate funds in support of RISE’s initiatives, Green has joined forces with on-demand ecommerce company Teespring to create and sell “Sideline Racism” tees, sweatshirts and mugs — with all proceeds going to RISE.

The versatile forward has spoken fervently about the power of sport to unite people of different backgrounds. He even attributes his rise — from player at Michigan State to championship-winning NBA superstar — to his personal growth in the realm of learning to embrace differences for the overall team goal and common good.

Just as Green learned to be more accepting of others who are different from him, others have the capacity for similar development. After all, racism is taught on macro levels (institutionalized racism) and micro levels (the bigotry taught at home). So if racism can be taught, tolerance can be, too.

Fans can purchase the Draymond Green “Sideline Racism” items exclusively at: http://teespring.com/draymondgreen.

Draymond Green’s “Sideline Racism” tee and sweatshirt, by Teespring.

But there is one tiny catch, though:

The items are available for purchase for one week only! To get in on these limited-edition “Sideline Racism” items, purchases must be made before the campaign ends on Thursday February 2nd.

To stand with Draymond Green against discrimination, harassment and injustice, click here to take the RISE pledge: http://risetowin.org/takethepledge.


Follow Tamryn Spruill on Twitter

Sign up for the newsletter Sign up for the Golden State of Mind Daily Roundup newsletter!

A daily roundup of Golden State Warriors news from Golden State of Mind