Munich (dpa) - The basketball Bundesliga prohibits its professionals during the game similar protest actions as recently in the football Bundesliga.
"Basically, political statements in league operations are not permitted verbally or non-verbally," said BBL Managing Director Stefan Holz of the German Press Agency when asked whether players with slogans on shirts or equipment may protest against racism, such as this was last seen by soccer professionals.
"For us, as in football, the following applies: we play sports and there are no political statements in any direction, so we don't open the door," emphasized Ligach boss Holz. But he also said: "Nevertheless, we would understand if the topic is currently the concern of the players from the United States." The BBL wants to end its season in Munich with a championship tournament with ten teams from June 6th.
On the last day of the Bundesliga, several professionals had used various actions and gestures on the grass to protest the violent death of African American George Floyd as a result of a brutal police operation in the United States. DFB President Fritz Keller had expressed understanding and "great respect" for it. "The DFB control committee must clarify whether and which sanctions the players' expressions of solidarity will entail," said the German Football Association. Among other things, the DFB rules state that the players are not allowed to show underwear with "political, religious or personal slogans".
Basketball pro Per Günther from ratiopharm Ulm said on Twitter: "Dear @easyCreditBBL players. If you want to express yourself at the upcoming tournament and position yourself against racism - please feel free to do it. The first 10,000 penalty will go to me . " Rasta Vechta has announced that it will support its players should they take action against racism.
Bayern Munich managing director Marko Pesic encouraged his professionals to stand up against racism. "In a time of solidarity and cohesion, no one can forbid the players to speak out. Opposing racism is not a political statement but an attitude to life. And we are absolutely certain that our players know exactly what basketball values per se and what attitude especially this club and its acting people have on this unfortunately very big topic ", explained Pesic (43).
Rasta Vechta's club boss Stefan Niemeyer has given players and other club employees full support in their efforts to combat racism. "The fight against racism is everyone's duty, I think," Niemeyer is quoted by the Bundesliga team on Twitter. "Our players, coaches and employees at Rasta Vechta, both professional and young, can be sure that we are 100 percent behind them if you are committed to this."
Information about the tournament on the BBL homepage
BBL concept
Tournament schedule
BBL management