The Milwaukee Bucks have decided to sit out Game 5 of their first-round series against the Orlando Magic in protest of the racial injustice and police brutality that is rife across the country. The Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder also chose to sit out, and then the NBA officially kicked out those two games as well as the Lakers-Trail Blazers game.
The planned WNBA teams have decided not to participate tonight and delivered a message about the power of the vote and the importance of taking action. Three Major League Baseball games have also been postponed for tonight as teams, including the Milwaukee Brewers, have chosen to perform in solidarity with the Bucks.
On Sunday, police shot 29-year-old Jacob Blake, a black man, several times in the back as he opened the door of a parked car in Kenosha, Wisconsin, with his children in the car. Blake survived the shooting but is in serious condition.
Since the shooting, players have raised their voices to use their platform to help tackle the major problem of racial inequality in the United States. The Milwaukee Bucks, with this shooting close to home, took serious action and have decided not to play, at least for now.
Since the resumption of the NBA during the COVID-19 pandemic, and in the wake of social justice protests following the death of George Floyd, players have carried messages of equality and demands of justice and “Black Lives Matter” is painted on ‘ and bubble court.
This statement marks four years since the day when NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick sat for the national anthem for the first time.
Players streamed to social media to show support for the Bucks. Here are some of her reactions:
The Bucks tweeted that they fully support their players, saying they will continue to stand up as they demand accountability and change.
NBA fans offer support for the Bucks, including former President Barack Obama.
NBA Stars, past and present, offered their thoughts on the decision of the Bucks players.
Warning: NSFW language
Tennis star Naomi Osaka also said she would sit in solidarity.
Following their announcement, the Western and Southern Open would announce that play at the tournament was suspended.
A handful of NFL players also weighed in.
Some MLB and NHL players came forward with support.
TNT NBA analyst Kenny Smith decided to stand with the players, saying, “And for me, I think the biggest thing right now is to be a black man, as a former player, I think it’s best for me to be around the players to support and just not be here tonight, “before leaving the set of Within the NBA
He said he has not yet spoken to the players about the situation.
Wizards star Bradley Beal weighed in, in support of Smith.
