According to ESPN’s Jackie MacMullan, Hornets owner Michael Jordan has played a key role in talks between NBA players and owners as the league moves into the ongoing social justice movement.
The reported talks follow the decision by Milwaukee Bucks players to protest the Magic in Game 5 on Wednesday. Subsequent NBA games on Wednesday were postponed following the Bucks’ decision.
Jordan, the sole black majority owner of the league, spoke with NBPA president, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Chris Paul, prior to last night’s meeting, where players discussed how they plan to proceed with the season 2019-20. Jordan also reportedly spoke to Rockets guard Russell Westbrook on social justice issues.
According to ESPN, the owner of the Hornets also expressed his admiration to the current players for taking such a strong stand on social justice issues.
Jordan also reportedly sought to gain a better understanding of what players were hoping to achieve in the future and reportedly offered assistance to players as they take part in conversations with owners about ongoing protest efforts.
Thursday’s NBA games have also been postponed. However, on Thursday morning, players would be voting to resume the 2020 playoffs, which could begin on Friday or Saturday.
The owners, according to ESPN, will meet later on Thursday to discuss ways they can help players achieve their goals as they continue the season.
The Bucks players released a statement hours after their decision not to participate in Game Match 5, saying, in part, “We demand justice for Jacob Blake and demand that the officers be held accountable. For this to happen, it is imperative that the Wisconsin State Legislature meets again after months of inactivity and takes significant steps to address issues of police accountability, brutality and criminal justice reform. “
The decision of the Bucks players to forgo Wednesday’s game had an impact on the rest of the sporting landscape.
A number of MLB games have been postponed in protest and WNBA players are not attending Thursday’s games for the second consecutive day in what they call “Reflection Day, a day of informed action and mobilization.”
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