LeBron James and Other NBA Stars Use ESPYS to Demand End to Violence

The ESPYS may be about sports, but even this awards show can't ignore what's been happening in our country.

The ceremony opened Wednesday night with LeBron James, Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony calling for peace in our country. The plea comes on the heels of a recent string of high-profile deaths, ranging from the killings of African-Americans in Louisiana and Minnesota to the murder of five police officers in Dallas to the mass shooting in Orlando.

Each NBA star spoke soberly about the issues, with James speaking last. He said, "It’s time to look in the mirror and ask ourselves, ‘What are we doing to create change?'”

There's been a long conversation about whether or not athletes should use their fame and notoriety to help spur change and this gesture by four NBA superstars would indicate at least some of them are willing to use their status to address problems plaguing our country.

Do you support their effort or do you think they'd be better served remaining quiet and just playing their game?