The Milwaukee Bucks Wednesday chose to boycott Game 5 of their series against the Orlando Magic just minutes before tip-off. That brought on a wave of boycotts across the sports world. Kara Finnstrom reports.
The Milwaukee Bucks were first to boycott when they didn’t take the floor for Game 5 of their first-round playoff series with the Orlando Magic at Lake Buena Vista, Fla., in the late afternoon. The NBA later announced that all three of the day’s scheduled playoff games had been postponed. No announcement has been made on Thursday’s Toronto Raptors-Boston Celtics game.
The NBA, owners and front offices didn't see this wave of player boycotts coming today. Hours ago, they all expected to be playing these games tonight. This is a pivot point for the NBA and professional sports in North America.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 26, 2020
Minnesota Wild defenceman Matt Dumba, who knelt for the American anthem on the first day of the NHL’s restart in Edmonton earlier this month, praised NBA players on Twitter.
“NBA Players leading! WE STAND WITH YOU AND DEMAND CHANGE!” the Regina native said.
The reaction to the shooting of Jacob Blake has caused emotions to reach a fever pitch in the NBA. Check out some of the more emotional responses below.
Inside the NBA host & former NBA player Kenny Smith walks off the set In solidarity with players who boycotted today’s NBA playoff games following the shooting of #JacobBlake 💪🏽pic.twitter.com/qAFOkqTzuS
— HOT 97 (@HOT97) August 26, 2020
Many fathers feel just like Robert Horry today 😔
— HOT 97 (@HOT97) August 27, 2020
Agreed! I hope they permanently suspend all sports so they can focus their time, money, and energy in helping the cause!
— Tim (@AbesMullet) August 27, 2020
Boycotting will make those billionaire owners go talk to those scumbag lawmakers and make them change these police policies. To make them hold bad cops accountable.
— GAMBLE NYCT DOB (@gamanima) August 27, 2020
