The Milwaukee Bucks have boycotted today’s scheduled NBA Playoffs game in protest of the shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin by police officers, according to ESPN.
Blake, an African-American man, was shot seven times by police in Kenosha on Sunday, leaving him paralyzed and prompting protests in the city.
The Bucks decided as a team not to leave the locker room prior to today’s game against the Orlando Magic. Bucks guard George Hill told The Undefeated‘s Marc J. Spears, “we’re tired of the killings and the injustice.”
NBA officials went into the Bucks’ locker room when they didn’t see the team on the court prior to game time, where they learned of the boycott. The Magic and referees left the court soon after.
EPSN’s Malika Andrews reported that game balls were being put away after the boycott was announced. Shortly after, the NBA announced that game was postponed, along with the day’s other games between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets as well as the Portland Trail Blazers and Los Angeles Lakers.
According to The Athletic and Stadium’s Shams Charania, NBA players have called for a meeting tonight to discuss their next steps, suggesting that the boycotts could continue beyond tonight,
As the NBA season has resumed at Walt Disney World, the league and its players have shown support for the Black Lives Matter movement, including displaying the phrase on the courts at the complex.
Here at WDWNT, we believe that #BlackLivesMatter is not a political statement, but one grounded on the basis of equality and justice for all. Keep reading WDWNT for continuing updates on this ongoing story.
Featured Image: Malika Andrews
I’ve never considered athletes to be heroes, but quitting a multi-million-dollar job to go and be great cops, setting the example for others, in these places that need better cops is a great response. Taking it upon themselves to enact positive change is exactly what needs to be done, and these athletes have the courage to do it; well done! I hope those who falsely claim action by doing nothing other than pandering to or shaming others are inspired by these actual heroes!