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Jimmy Butler tries to wear jersey with no name, referees make him change

Jimmy Butler name

Orlando, FL - JULY 28: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat looks on during a scrimmage Memphis Grizzlies on July 28, 2020 at Visa Athletic Center at ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)

NBAE via Getty Images

Jimmy Butler wanted to wear a jersey without a name for the NBA restart. The league shot that down.

Butler tried to do it anyway — he walked out on the court to start the Heat’s first restart game without a name on his jersey. The referees made him change it.

Butler previously explained his reasoning for wanting no name as, “If I wasn’t who I was today, I’m no different than anybody else of color.”

That idea resonated with some players, a reported 30 others wanted no name on their jersey either. It was still a no go with the league, who said it was not part of the curated list of social justice messages that players could wear on their jerseys.

The NBA’s list was not expansive enough for most players, who wanted more. However, no more names were added.

In reaction, the NBPA and Russell Westbrook’s clothing company teamed up for a line of social justice message apparel.