On August 23rd, African-American Jacob Blake of Kenosha, Wisconsin was shot in the back seven times in front of his three children by police as he approached the driver's side of his SUV.
Despite attempting to break up a fight between two women, seven to eight police officers interrogated and attempted to arrest him due to his perceived involvement in the domestic violence altercation. This incident takes place during the notable Black Lives Matter movement, in which protestors and activists are taking a stand against both the explicit and covert systemic racism that endangers the lives of many black and brown communities. In light of this police shooting, the Milwaukee Bucks, who play in the home state of Jacob, made the decision to boycott last night's playoff game against Orlando Magic.
The team released a statement "calling for justice for Jacob Blake and demand the officers be held accountable."Full statement from the Milwaukee Bucks: https://t.co/jjGEyVcCmB— Milwaukee Bucks (@Milwaukee Bucks) 1598484393
The Milwaukee Bucks' owners commended the team for their advocacy, stating:
"We fully support our players and the decision they made. Although we did not know beforehand, we would have wholeheartedly agreed with them. The only way to bring change is to shine a light on the racial injustices that are happening in front of us. Our players have done that and we will continue to stand alongside them and demand accountability and change."
After the Milwaukee Bucks decided to boycott, the NBA postponed three playoff games scheduled for last night.
The NBA and the NBPA today announced that in light of the Milwaukee Bucks’ decision to not take the floor today for… https://t.co/knTq6qq1oE— NBA (@NBA) 1598476220
This morning, the NBA had a meeting and the players have presumably agreed to resume the 2020 playoffs. Today's playoff games will also be postponed as they adjust the schedule for the season.
In light of the shooting, the NBA community is using social media to speak out against racial equality.
LeBron James
Change doesn’t happen with just talk!! It happens with action and needs to happen NOW! For my @IPROMISESchool kids,… https://t.co/3nZkLW0wcK— LeBron James (@LeBron James) 1598546015
Kenny "The Jet" Smith
.@TheJetOnTNT stands with the NBA players. https://t.co/39Sby1D5kn— NBA on TNT (@NBA on TNT) 1598481538
Donovan Mitchell
WE DEMAND CHANGE! SALUTE @Bucks ✊🏾🙏🏾🗣— Donovan Mitchell (@Donovan Mitchell) 1598472846
Kevin Love
We have the strongest, most unified league in the world!!! #change— Kevin Love (@Kevin Love) 1598474705
Dwyane Wade
Proud of our players! @Nba— DWade (@DWade) 1598476223
To support Jacob Blake and his family, donate to their page here.
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