The Milwaukee Bucks have decided to skip Game 5 of their first round streak against the Orlando Magic to protest the racial injustice and police brutality occurring across the country. The Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder have also decided to give up, so the NBA has officially postponed those two games and also the Lakers-Trail Blazers game.
The scheduled WNBA teams have decided not to take part in any matches tonight and delivered a message about the power of voting and the importance of acting. Three Major League Baseball games have also been postponed for tonight as teams, including the Milwaukee Brewers, have chosen to act in solidarity with the Bucks.
On Sunday, police shot 29-year-old Jacob Blake, a black man, multiple times in the back as he was opening the door of a parked car in Kenosha, Wisconsin, with his children on board. Blake survived the shooting but is in serious condition.
Ever since the shoot, gamers have raised their voices to use their platform to help address the major problem of racial inequality in the United States. The Milwaukee Bucks, with this shooting close to home, took serious action and decided not to play, at least for now.
Ever since the NBA resumed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and in the wake of social justice protests following George Floyd’s death, players have been wearing messages of equality and demands for justice, and “Black Lives Matter” is painted on the field of bubbles.
This statement marks four years since the day NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick first sat down for the anthem.
Players took to social media to show support for the Bucks. Here are some of their reactions:
The Bucks tweeted that they fully support their players, saying they continue to support them as they demand accountability and change.
NBA fans have offered support for the Bucks, including former President Barack Obama.
NBA stars, past and present, have 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 his announcement, the Western and Southern Open announced that tournament play would be suspended.
A handful of NFL players also weighed in.
Some MLB and NHL players have come forward with support.
TNT NBA analyst Kenny Smith decided to stay with the players, saying, “And for me, I think the most important thing now is that, as a black man, as a former player, I think it’s best for me to support the players. players and don’t be here tonight, “before leaving the set Inside the NBA
He said he hadn’t talked to the players about the situation yet.
Wizards star Bradley Beal stepped in in support of Smith.
