Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird are making a statement with their outfits at the ESPY Awards this year. The couple, who are remotely co-hosting the event with the NFL’s Russell Wilson, wore Black Lives Matter shirts, ahead of making a joint statement that’s resonating with viewers.
In a stirring video introduction to the ESPYs, Wilson spoke about “a new generation, a generation that is calling out in desperate need for lasting change,” referring to the ongoing civil rights protests across the U.S. Rapinoe then followed up saying that “it’s important that we keep this dialogue going and this energy alive.” Bird also weighed in following Rapinoe’s comments. “Trust us, we know that sports are important. It’s why we’re gathered here tonight. But do black lives matter to you when they’re not throwing touchdowns, grabbing rebounds, serving aces? Our return must be part of the fight for justice.”
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“This is our moment to prove that we know a better world is one where Black lives are valued.”@DangeRussWilson, @S10Bird and @mPinoe open the 2020 #ESPYS. pic.twitter.com/ntJzgtkhMq
โ ESPN (@espn) June 22, 2020
The protests, which are calling for an end to police brutality and a radical reformation of the nation’s police, have resulted in numerous ripple effects as the world re-examines itself through a different lens. Here’s a look at what some were saying about the couple’s statement of allyship.
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Megan and Sueโs ESPYS looks so far! pic.twitter.com/KetlicygyK
โ megan rapinoe archive (@pinoearchive) June 22, 2020
my espys review so far is more megan rapinoe and sue bird thank you
โ e (@outroex) June 22, 2020
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Russell Wilson, Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird opened up the ESPYs wearing Black Lives Matter t-shirts. pic.twitter.com/uGWShy9HiS
โ Steven Candelaria (@StevoCandelaria) June 22, 2020
Well done by Russell Wilson, Megan Rapinoe, Sue Bird and others involved in the #BLM opener of the #ESPYS
โ Ron Carthen (@rcarthen) June 22, 2020
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Terrific opening monologue from Russell Wilson, Megan Rapinoe, and Sue Bird on the ESPYs
โ Matt T. Michigan 9-4 Lions 3-12-1 (@michiganlions) June 22, 2020
Is there a bigger sports power couple than Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe? ๐ค #ESPYS
โ Jason Ramirez (@BigBackJay) June 22, 2020
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I want Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird to host everything together.
โ Geneva Wilson (@geneva_wilson5) June 22, 2020
Russell Wilson, Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird opened up the ESPYs wearing Black Lives Matter t-shirts.
โ Etan Thomas (@etanthomas36) June 22, 2020
Much Respect ๐๐พ๐๐พ๐๐พ#BlackLivesMatter #ESPYS pic.twitter.com/aUHZySCXeM
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Love megan rapinoe and sue bird. pic.twitter.com/dG2qPR8Ply
โ Monika (team cap) BLM/TLM (@SebastianMgirl6) June 22, 2020
Well done Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe. Well done
โ Jane Curtin Resistance Army (@ResistanceJane) June 22, 2020
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what a couple ๐ pic.twitter.com/4zoOUbRGjV
โ lucy ๐ (@devittobush) June 22, 2020
ESPYโS black lives matter portion ๐ฏ
โ cแดสรธสฮนษดแด (@caro_valovich) June 22, 2020