While hundreds of thousands of Americans took to the streets to take a stand against gun violence in the ‘March For Our Lives’ rallies across the country, many in the sports world put their support behind the protesters.
The rallies on Saturday aimed to influence lawmakers to bring about stricter gun-control measures after several mass murders in the United States due to gun violence, including the school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida that left 17 dead on February 14.
Several athletes and members of the sports world got behind the movement by joining protesters on the street and by speaking up on social media.
Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo, a graduate of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in 2007, posted a picture of him and his family at one of the rallies in Florida.
My family marching for their lives. I am so proud to be from Parkland and so inspired by not only the students at MSD but every student, parent and teacher across the country who participated. #MarchForOurLives pic.twitter.com/pzZ82ozV3Z
— Anthony Rizzo (@ARizzo44) March 24, 2018
In the NBA, Philadelphia 76ers rookie Ben Simmons wore a March Four Lives T-shirt during warm-ups before the game against Minnesota.
“For me growing up in Australia, I think there was a gun ban way back in the day where they bought back the guns and there hasn’t been any major shootings and no one carries around guns,” Simmons said. “You want kids to feel safe going to school.”
Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade, meanwhile, posted a picture of himself wearing a March For Our Lives T-shirt on Instagram.
Wade visited Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School after the tragedy, with one of the Parkland victims buried in his jersey.
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Carmelo Anthony helped by sending over 4,500 kids from Baltimore to the march in Washington D.C., while New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft flew families of the Parkland victims and other students to the nation’s capital on the team plane.
Others who voiced their support included Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James, Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul, Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr, Boston Celtics legend Bill Russell and Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss.
#MarchForOurLives Salute the youth making a REAL impact!! ❤️❤️
— LeBron James (@KingJames) March 24, 2018
Humbled and proud of this generation taking the lead. Their time is now. #MarchForOurLives pic.twitter.com/6WpG7AxMKK
— Chris Paul (@CP3) March 24, 2018
Reminder today to get out and march! Thank you to the young generation for inspiring all of us and reminding us that change will only happen through our own will. Register to vote and demand common sense gun laws from any and all potential elected officials! Democracy will win!
— Steve Kerr (@SteveKerr) March 24, 2018
If you can get out & support @AMarch4OurLives today I am proud of this generation standing up for injustice & having their voices heard, making real change. The world is listening. Some may not know me but I stand with you @Emma4Change #marchforourlives @MSNBC @mtv @naacp @NBA pic.twitter.com/ypSeeT1LVH
— TheBillRussell (@RealBillRussell) March 24, 2018
March For Our Lives Manhattan Beach Pier @sleek08 @kwaquadeep pic.twitter.com/Z00vUdQ7wp
— Jeanie Buss (@JeanieBuss) March 24, 2018