10:00 AM PT -- Silver and NBPA Exec. Director Michele Roberts have released a joint statement ... spelling out the league's plan of action to fight racial inequality as games pick back up this weekend.
The league will create a social justice coalition to tackle responsibilities like "increasing access to voting, promoting civic engagement, and advocating for meaningful police and criminal justice reform."
Team governors will also work with local officials to turn facilities into voting locations for the 2020 election.
The league says it will provide advertising spots during the NBA playoffs aimed at "promoting greater civic engagement in national and local elections and raising awareness around voter access and opportunity."
“These commitments follow months of close collaboration around designing a safe and healthy environment to restart the NBA season, providing a platform to promote social justice, as well as creating an NBA Foundation focused on economic empowerment in the Black community."
NBA commissioner Adam Silver is finally speaking out about the boycotts that rocked the league -- saying, "I understand the pain, anger and frustration that so many of us are feeling in this moment."
Silver issued a league-wide statement to players and staff explaining his thoughts on the outrage over the shooting of Jacob Blake ... and says he's working with players on ways the league can help players take meaningful action.
"First, let me say that I wholeheartedly support NBA and WNBA players and their commitment to shining a light on important issues of social justice," Silver said.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver pens letter to league employees, obtained by @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium: “I wholeheartedly support NBA and WNBA players and their commitment to shining a light on important issues of social justice.” pic.twitter.com/2SPEunp64I
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 28, 2020
"While I don't walk in the same shoes as Black men and women, I can see the trauma and fear that racialized violence causes and how it continues the painful legacy of racial inequity that persists in our country."
Silver says he spoke with NBA players, coaches and team governors on Thursday -- with the hope of figuring out the next steps to "further our collective efforts and actions in support of social justice and racial equality."
"The discussion centered around how we can best collaborate to address a broad range of issues, including increasing access to voting, promoting civic engagement, and advocating for police and criminal justice reform."
Silver says the league will have a finalized plan, which will be made public, later today.
"I understand that some of you feel the league should be doing more. I hear you -- and please know that I am focused on ensuring that we as a league are effecting real change both within our organization and in communities across the country."
Silver says he wants to encourage players to continue to speak out and work with the league on making real change.
"We are always here to support you."
Originally Published -- 6:48 AM PT