NBA figure to react to the video of Jacob Blake’s shooting by police in Wisconsin, calling for police reform and the speaking out against police unions after Tuesday’s win against the Dallas Mavericks." data-reactid="16">Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers has become the latest NBA figure to react to the video of police shooting Jacob Blake in Wisconsin, calling for police reform and speaking out against police unions after the win on Tuesday against the Dallas Mavericks.
When asked about the shooting of Blake, an unarmed black man entering his car during a dispute with the police, Rivers launched into a lengthy tirade about the state of the police in America and the appropriation of fear by the police. of the Republican party.
“We continue to love this country and this country does not reciprocate us”.
Doc Rivers got excited as he talked about Jacob Blake being hit by the police and social injustice. pic.twitter.com/qQI2Ld2DGI
– ESPN (@espn) August 26, 2020
Rivers comments:
What strikes me is watching the Republican convention and seeing this fear, right? All you hear is Donald Trump and all of them talking about fear. We are the ones who are killed. We are the ones who are affected. We are the ones who are denied living in certain communities. We were hanged, we were shot. All you do is keep hearing about fear. It’s surprising to me why we continue to love this country and this country doesn’t love us back.
It really is that sad. I’m supposed to be just a coach and it’s so creepy, it reminds me of my color. It’s just very sad. We have to do better. We have to ask for better. It’s funny, we protest and they send riot guards. They send people in riot gear. They go to Michigan with guns and spit on cops and nothing happens. Training needs to change in the police force. Trade unions must be dismantled in the police force. My father was a policeman. I believe in good cops. We are not trying to defraud the police and take all their money away. We are trying to get them to protect us, just like they protect everyone else.
If you watch that video, you don’t have to be black to be outraged. You must be American and indignant. How dare Republicans speak of fear? We are the ones who need to be scared. We have to talk to every black child. Which white father has to tell his son to be careful if you get stopped? It is simply ridiculous.
Breonna Taylor, no accusations, nothing. We just ask you to live up to the constitution. That’s all we ask for, for everyone.
As of Tuesday night, Blake is still alive and recovering from surgery, but his lawyer says he will need “a miracle” to be able to walk again after being shot seven times, according to CNN.
Doc Rivers wants reform. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images)
The NBA’s answer to Jacob Blake
NBA players have varied widely, from Oklahoma City Thunder guard Chris Paul urging players and fans to vote to Milwaukee Bucks guard George Hill questioning the decision to even play basketball." data-reactid="36">The video of the shooting spread widely on social media and elicited several statements from players and teams. Reactions from NBA players have been very different, from Oklahoma City Thunder guard Chris Paul inviting players and fans to vote to Milwaukee Bucks guard George Hill questioning the decision to play basketball as well.
As with many other officer shootings, LeBron James has publicly questioned the treatment of blacks in America. Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown seemed to sum up the protest, asking “Aren’t we human?”
NBA playoffs and election season continue, such rhetoric is only bound to increase in a league that is not shy about political activism." data-reactid="38">As the NBA playoffs and election season continue, that rhetoric is only set to increase in a league that isn’t afraid of political activism.
