Bucks Boycott Sparks Racial Justice Stand by NBA
In a monumental show of solidarity, the NBA cancelled Wednesday’s playoff games following a Milwaukee Bucks boycott.
In the light of the shooting of Jacob Blake, the Milwaukee Bucks did not take to the court to play against the Orlando Magic.
The Lakers, Blazers, Rockets and Thunder were all slated to play later in the day. As those teams considered their options, the NBA made the decision for them, and postponed the games.
Players will meet at 11am Thursday to decide what to do next. Considering Raptors players revealed on Tuesday night that they were considering boycotting their Eastern Conference Semifinals opener against the Boston Celtics, it is likely that at least Toronto will follow suit.
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“We’re tired of the killings and the injustice,” Bucks guard George Hill said.
Milwaukee’s senior vice president Alex Lasry took to Twitter, saying ‘some things are bigger than basketball.’
“The stand taken today by the players and (organisation) shows that we’re fed up. Enough is enough. Change needs to happen,†Lasry continued.Â
“I’m incredibly proud of our guys and we stand 100% behind our players ready to assist and bring about real change.”
The NBA in a statement said that the cancelled games will be rescheduled. However, some players are already talking about leaving the Orlando bubble. If when they meet later today the players decide to not play out the season, it will put an end to a one-of-a-kind logistical feat, and begin a one-of-a-kind political feat.
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The Orlando Magic released a statement in support of the Bucks and the league.
“Today we stand united with the NBA Office, the National Basketball Players Association, the Milwaukee Bucks and the rest of the league condemning bigotry, racial injustice and the unwarranted use of violence by police against people of color,” the statement read.
