The NBA is on pause.
In the wake of civil unrest in Kenosha, Winsconsin sparked by the police shooting of Jacob Blake, NBA teams have decided to postpone any further games. Several players made it clear that they felt powerless to affect change while isolated in the Orlando bubble. The NBA had given its players a platform to express their views and promote the change they seek for this country. But banners, t-shirts and face masks worn in memoriam of Brianna Taylor and George Floyd did not seem to be enough.
After Goerge Floyd’s life was taken, cities across the country burned in protest, in anger, in pain. As a country, we faced the harsh reality that those entrusted to “Serve and Protect” were, once again, the antagonists in this story. Speeches were made, and committees were convened with the promise that this would not happen again.
It happened again.
The United States has had another person fall victim to police brutality. 29-year-old Jacob Blake was shot seven times in the back, in front of his children. This time, a miracle happened. This time, the seven bullets that pierced Blake’s skin did not take his life. This time, a stray bullet didn’t find its way into any of his children within arms reach. This time.
Yesterday, the Milwaukee Bucks and the Magic decided to take a stand against the unnecessary brutality inflicted by police officers on people of color. Both teams agreed that postponing the game would be the best course of action.
Once the postponement was announced, the dominoes fell. The other two NBA games scheduled for Wednesday were also postponed, all WNBA games were postponed, and three MLB games were postponed.
Don’t get me wrong; I love sports. But I love my friends and family more.
Sports don’t matter as much as getting justice for the victims of these brutal attacks. I have always respected the decision of any athlete who decides to kneel or sit out in protest and I equally respect the athlete that decides to stand and play. But I would rather they not play any sports if that is what it takes for this to help impact some major changes in America.