photo via @Lakers
On Wednesday, August 26th – four years to the day that Colin Kaepernick began his protests in the NFL against police brutality. Ironically against the Green Bay Packers – NBA players inside the playoff bubble took a unified stand. It began when the Milwaukee Bucks decided to sit out Game 5 of their playoff series against the Orlando Magic.
The move was in protest to another unarmed Black person being shot at the hands of police. Jacob Blake (29) was shot seven times in the back in Kenosha, Wisconsin after breaking up a fight. His three children were in the car. Blake survived, but is paralyzed. Kenosha is 35 miles south of Milwaukee.
The players on the rest of soon followed, which left the NBA with no option but to postpone Wednesday’s games, and potentially Thursday’s slate as well.
Reportedly Bucks’ players used the time in the locker room to have a conference call with Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul and Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes.
In 2018, Bucks’ Sterling Brown was a victim of police brutality in Wisconsin. While at a Walgreens, police officers surrounded him, with the situation ending in Brown being tased while an officer had a knee on his neck and another stood on his ankle.
At least four major sports leagues followed the NBA players lead Wednesday and canceled games. From Major League baseball, the Dodgers and Giants, Mariners and Padres and the Milwaukee Brewers.
Kenny “the Jet” Smith staged his own protest on “Inside the NBA” and walked off set.
Chris Webber discussed the pain of having to explain to young children what is happening in these moments.
WNBA players stood in solidarity with the NBA, canceling their games for the evening as well. The Washington Mystics donned shirts that spelled out Jacob Blake’s name, with seven bullet holes depicted on the back, representing the number of times he was shot.
The league has been on the forefront with taking a stand for social justice long before it became trendy or cool.
Check the date, that’s 2017. 3 years ago…
Tennis star Naomi Osaka withdrew from her semi-finals match at the Western and Southern Open. Which in turn caused the WTA to suspend play for Thursday.
MLS players got on board as well, with several games being canceled.
LA Football Club’s Mark-Anthony Kaye had this to add on Twitter, after MLS released a statement.
The only sport whose show went on… the NHL.
Tuesday night following the Clippers victory, Doc Rivers shared raw emotion in discussing the on-going injustices that Black people have faced, especially at the hands of law enforcement.
The NBA players held a meeting in Orlando to figure out next moves. Reportedly both LeBron James and Kawahi Lenard spoke on behalf of the Lakers and Clippers, with both teams in favor of boycotting the remainder of the season. A follow up meeting will take place on Thursday.
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