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Silver addressed protests in memo to league staff

Kevin Winter / Getty Images Entertainment / Getty

NBA commissioner Adam Silver sent a memo to his staff at the league office addressing the ongoing protests following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25, according to internal communications obtained by Yahoo Sports' Vincent Goodwill.

"I am heartened by the members of the NBA and WNBA family - players, coaches, legends, team owners, and executives at all levels - speaking out to demand justice, urging peaceful protest and working for meaningful change," Silver wrote. "Together with our teams and players, we will continue our efforts to promote inclusion and bridge divides through collective action, civic engagement, and candid dialogue and support for organizations working toward justice and equality."

Silver has previously encouraged players to use their platforms to support positive social change.

In 2016, amid a rise of protests during the national anthem (most notably by former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick), Silver and NBPA president Michele Roberts issued a joint letter to players encouraging them to pursue "substantive ways" to take "meaningful action."

Silver said in October that the league would "not put itself in a position of regulating what players, employees, and team owners say." That stance referred specifically to tensions between the league and its international stakeholders after Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey made a gesture of support toward pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong.

Silver's most recent memo, which was reportedly addressed solely to league-office staff, called for further empathy and cooperation.

"This moment also requires greater introspection from those of us, including me, who may never know the full pain and fear many of our colleagues and players experience every day," Silver added. "We have to reach out, listen to each other, and work together to be part of the solution.

"And as an organization, we need to do everything in our power to make a meaningful difference."

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