New York Liberty players made a statement about police brutality, Alton Sterling, Philando Castile and the Dallas police officers all killed last week when they wore black T-shirts reading "#BlackLivesMatter" and "#Dallas5" before a home game yesterday (July 10).

 

 

#BlackLivesMatter #Dallas5
#_____________________ pic.twitter.com/nzqDNziQ0h

— New York Liberty (@nyliberty) July 10, 2016

The WNBA team donned the shirts (which read "#____________" on the back) and stood on the floor of Madison Square Garden, their home arena, before facing off against the San Antonio Stars. Several players spoke about the decision during a post-game press conference. 

"We do need people to stand up and understand and express that [B]lack lives are just as important as any other lives in America, and right now that’s not being seen," said guard Tanisha Wright. 

Forward Swin Cash expressed her belief that last week’s fatal sniper attack against police in Dallas should not distort perceptions of the movement. "I think it’s a shame that we keep seeing people that want to make this movement as something that’s violent," she said. "Five cops gave their lives up trying to protect a peaceful movement. And in this country, I do believe that you can assemble peacefully and protest against injustice. So until the system transforms, we cannot sit here and act like there is not a problem here in America."

The New York Liberty players’ actions echo a similar one done by the Minnesota Lynx WNBA team the night before (July 10). 

(H/t The New York Times)