Nicolas Batum (FRA)
11/01/2015
Jeff Taylor's Eurovision
to read

French Basketball says 'Je Suis Charlie'

VALENCIA (Jeff Taylor's Eurovision) - When it comes to tragedy, basketball players are always among the first to stand up and show solidarity.

The French have been doing that in the wake of this week's Charlie Hebdo terror attack in Paris.

Though we’re in the middle of hoops campaigns all over Europe, with teams trying to clinch places in mid-season cup competitions or simply trying to climb up the standings to get into the play-off positions, the focus of many has been on the attack on freedom of speech.

One phrase that you keep seeing over and over again has been Je Suis Charlie (I am Charlie).

Take note of the feelings of players, many who compete in the international game, and also the movers and shakers in French basketball.

Another was Boris Diaw, the France national team captain who plays for the defending NBA champions San Antonio Spurs.

France veteran Florent Pietrus revealed that his club side, SLUC Nancy, was putting a badge on its jersey.

Retired French star Edwige Lawson-Wade showed that women's basketball players are also showing solidarity.

She tweeted a photo of the Galatasaray players and BLMA players holding hands at center court before their EuroLeague Women game.

French Basketball Federation president Jean-Pierre Siutat also had an important message to deliver.

While the shock and outrage in France and abroad continues, there is no doubt there will be a sense of unity in the days and weeks ahead.

Jeff Taylor

FIBA

FIBA's columnists write on a wide range of topics relating to basketball that are of interest to them. The opinions they express are their own and in no way reflect those of FIBA.

FIBA takes no responsibility and gives no guarantees, warranties or representations, implied or otherwise, for the content or accuracy of the content and opinion expressed in the above article.

Jeff Taylor

Jeff Taylor

Jeff Taylor, a North Carolina native and UNC Chapel Hill graduate, has been a journalist since 1990. He started covering international basketball after moving to Europe in 1996. Jeff provides insight and opinion every week about players and teams on the old continent that are causing a buzz.