The Indianapolis Colts, New York Jets and Washington Football Team are among the NFL teams that did not practice Thursday in response to Jacob Blake’s police shooting in Wisconsin.
The Jets practice field was set for the regular start at 9:20 ET, and some staff members were seen walking the field – but it was confirmed at 9:24 that the practice was canceled.
The Colts said they would use Thursday instead “to discuss and work to create a lasting social impact and inspiring change in our communities.”
Blake, a Black man, was shot seven times by police Sunday. Blake was shot as he tried to enter the side door of the driver of his car with three of his children inside. Video of the shooting was circulated on social media, prompting more protests and causing or speaking out for more athletes.
The Dallas Cowboys trained Thursday, but coach Mike McCarthy said talks with players will continue what they need to do.
“I have to be honest, it’s hard to sit here and think I have to play football today, especially with everything that’s happening in our country,” said McCarthy, whose family lives in Green Bay, Wisconsin. “I spent the evening, last night, listening and watching, everything that happens in the NBA, the WNBA, the MLB and about our league. These are unusual times in our country. …
“The last few evenings have been a lot of time spent on the phone. It’s definitely about. There are friends and family behind it. [Wisconsin]. These times are unforgettable. Things need to change. I grew up in a house of public safety, but I mean, I just do not understand why it goes on and I think I’m like everyone else. I do not have the answers, but things need to change. “
Detroit Lions coach Matt Patricia said he and his staff check back every day to see how players feel when it comes to practice or not or discussion points they potentially want.
“If there’s a chance we might all have to stop and think for a minute, that’s really great,” Patricia said of being the first professional team to protest on Tuesday by canceling the practice. “And I think we have a simple saying, that’s just listening. And right now, that’s exactly what we want everyone to do is listen. We understand that this is not a sprint. It’s not a race. It’s a marathon and it’s something we just have to do a good job of continuing this conversation. “
The Baltimore Ravens decided to practice, but announced that they would “come together for a meeting to discuss and work out a plan for continued efforts to reform social justice” after the practice.
Washington made its decision to cancel the practice Wednesday night after coach Ron Rivera spoke with new team president Jason Wright, a former NFL player and the first African-American team president in the NFL.
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