Breaking news
Several NFL teams – including the NY Jets and Indianapolis Colts – canceled the practice on Thursday so players can focus on social justice issues.
Just one day after several NBA teams refused to take the court for their Game 5 playoff games as a “boycott” to show anger over the Jacob Blake shoot, NFL players also take action.
The Washington football team is among those canceling the team’s activities Thursday.
Head coach Ron Rivera says the decision came after a conversation with new team president Jason Wright.
“Jason Wright and I were working this afternoon to develop an answer that strikes the right balance between the business of football and being truly thoughtful about the social injustice we witnessed with this recent incident in Wisconsin.”
“We went to Mr. Snyder with our plan for tomorrow and we got his full support and approval.”
Rivera says it plans to return to football on Friday – but Thursday will be “in place of reflection.”
“In place of our practice at FedExField, the players, coaches and football staff will meet as a football family and we will continue our open dialogue on the issues of racism and social injustice in our country.”
Not all NFL teams scrapped practice on Thursday – the Ravens, Giants, Patriots and Buccaneers went through as planned.
The Ravens explained: “Our team decided to practice this morning. After the practice, the team will meet for a meeting to discuss and work out a plan for continued efforts to reform social justice.”
