NBA: Jimmy Butler wears blank jersey to show he’s “no different” [VIDEO]

When the NBA announced its return, they also included allowing players to change surnames to social justice statements like “black lives matter,” “justice,” “peace,” and more.

On Saturday, Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler chose to wear a blank jersey with only his number 22 on the back.

Jimmy Butler had to change his jersey from one with a blank nameplate to one that had his last name on the back before Saturday's game.

He wanted the blank nameplate to show that he is "no different than anybody else of color." https://t.co/Yrl758sfgR pic.twitter.com/o94Powyr4q

— ESPN (@espn) August 1, 2020

However, officials were quick to notice it and just asked Butler to replace it with a regular jersey.

But the message has been sent across for Butler, making the statement successful.

do not get lost in a sea of despair, be hopeful, be optimistic. our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month, or a year, it is the struggle of a lifetime.  never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble. – John Lewis pic.twitter.com/3Qq3dJU3ex

— Jimmy Butler (@JimmyButler) August 1, 2020

He later on explained he wanted to do the gesture to show he is “no different” from other people of color.

Butler went on to lead the Heat to a 125-105 victory over the Nuggets. He scored 22 points and added 4 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals.