Damian Lillard defends police brutality stance on Twitter

Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard explained some of his frustrations with respect to police brutality and the death of George Floyd last Monday in Minneapolis.
Lillard wondered why police–especially in Floyd’s case–are allowed to be the aggressors and “attack” common citizens even without provocation.

If you attack the police then they have the right/reason to arrest you… but when the police attack YOU then you have the right to lay down and beg for your life? …
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) June 6, 2020

One particular individual attempted to say Damian Lillard’s statement was a “reach” because of Floyd’s purported illegal activity. But Lillard said the act was no excuse for Floyd losing his life.

He could have done it 20 times. That don’t give a reason to kill him. And this is only one example. Let’s not go down the list. If you think all of this is behind one black mans life you been under a rock … https://t.co/nn2Baza607
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) June 7, 2020

Another commenter came to Lillard’s aid, however, saying the idea of police as “judge, jury and executioner” is counterintuitive to the idea that police are meant to “serve and protect.”

Exactly . https://t.co/SvZghwG61d
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) June 7, 2020

Floyd died in police custody after officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes straight, ignoring Floyd’s complaints about the inability to breathe.
The officers were called to the scene after Floyd allegedly used a counterfeit $20 bill to purchase cigarettes at a local convenience store, though there is still some confusion with respect to the alleged counterfeit bill.
Moreover, surveillance footage of the incident refuted police claims that Floyd resisted arrest.
All four officers involved in Floyd’s arrest were charged, with Chauvin facing a charge for second-degree murder.
Floyd’s death has since sparked a wave of protests across the United States. Lillard himself joined one such protest in Portland.
As Lillard joins the rest of America in grappling with racial injustices and inequities, he also must prepare for the resumption of play in the NBA.
The Blazers will head to Orlando, Florida as the ninth-seeded team in the Western Conference. There is the chance Lillard and Co. might be part of a play-in tournament to determine the eighth and final playoff team in the West.
But for now, Lillard is using his voice and platform to call for change.