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How the NBA’s stand against racial injustice is changing the sports world

basketball August 28, 2020

The NBA is taking a stand.

After the Milwaukee Bucks boycotted their playoff game against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday, the league officially delayed the remaining Wednesday and Thursday matchups.

The Houston Rockets-Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Lakers-Portland Trail Blazers contests were also announced to be delayed.

 

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“We’re tired of the killings and the injustice,” Milwaukee guard George Hill told ESPN.

The actions come in light of the recent shooting of Jacob Blake, a 29-year-old African American man in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Blake was shot seven times by police officers on Sunday while trying to enter the driver’s side of his vehicle. His three children were inside.

“The past four months have shed a light on the ongoing racial injustices facing our African-American communities. Citizens around the country have used their voices and platforms to speak out against these wrongdoings,” the Bucks players said.

For The Bucks, the systemic injustice and oppression were especially personal.

Bucks forward Sterling Brown was tased and arrested for parking in a handicap spot in 2018. Eight cops apprehended him for a misdemeanor, booking him for a misdemeanor, but did not properly Mirandize him, and searched his car without a warrant, or even probable cause.

The Bucks continued, “When we take the court and represent Milwaukee and Wisconsin, we are expected to play at a high level, give maximum effort and hold each other accountable. We hold ourselves to that standard, and in this moment, we are demanding the same from our lawmakers and law enforcement.”

President Barack Obama and several other players sent their support in favor of the boycotts.

The NBA’s actions have rocketed across the sports world, resulting in multiple other leagues, teams, and individuals participating in boycotts.

The Detroit Lions notably canceled practice on Tuesday, where the players gathered outside of the team’s practice center to address the media.

The phrases “We won’t be silent” and “The world can’t go on” were displayed on large whiteboards.

“We’re just trying to figure out what we can do to not only bring light to the situation of what happened and how it’s wrong with police brutality,” said safety Duron Harmon, “but how can we as a team create change.”

“When people you care about go through things like that, it’s tough,” said Matthew Stafford. “And I wish America, I wish everybody could be on these calls or be in these meetings. I feel so lucky and privileged to be a part of it.”

The ripple effect continued across the NFL, as several other teams suspended practice and delivered statements.

Bengals rookie quarterback Joe Burrow stood up to share his thoughts on the recent events.

Even further across the sports world, into the MLB, the Milwaukee Brewers and Cincinnati Reds postponed their Wednesday night game to offer their stance.

 

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Games between the Mariners-Padres and Dodgers-Giants were also called off shortly before they began.

The Seattle Mariners have the most African-American players on their roster in the league, and pitcher Justin Dunn took to Twitter to offer his support.

Japanese tennis star and two-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka pulled out of a major New York WTA tournament due to the shooting.

 

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Atlanta United and Inter Miami MLS teams stood together in solidarity before the league’s games were called off.

 

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The moves across the sports world have resonated throughout the country.

Athletes are demonstrating to their leagues and to the nation that racial violence cannot and will not be tolerated. Their refusal to participate in sporting events is a courageous and humble move that will only help stress the severity of the situation.

There are several things across the world that are more important than sports now. A global pandemic and unacceptable occurrences of racist-fueled attacks and police brutality have plagued society and culture in an unforgettable way.

The only way past these two crises are to stand together. And that is just what the world of sports is doing.

We look forward to watching safe play resume, but not before a profound and striking message has been established. Luckily, the world’s sports stars will not give up until change is made.

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