[jwplayer rS3e4Aas]
The NBA announced that the playoff games scheduled to take place on Thursday will not be played following the decision by the Milwaukee Bucks to boycott Game 5 on Wednesday against the Orlando Magic following the shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
The remaining players at the Walt Disney World Resort met Thursday morning and collectively agreed to move forward with the season after the group discussed potentially sitting out in order to protest racism and police brutality in the United States.
The Bucks on Wednesday spoke with Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul and Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes to discuss potential actions against the officers involved in the shooting. The team gathered information about the process in hopes to bring charges against the police officers.
The NBA also stated that a video conference call will take place on Thursday afternoon between a group of NBA players and team governors representing the 13 teams at Disney. The NBPA and NBA Labor Relations Committee Chairman Michael Jordan will also be part of the call.
The NBA issued the following statement: pic.twitter.com/7NJruU1A9w
— Cody Taylor (@CodyTaylorNBA) August 27, 2020
Players have reportedly discussed the importance of putting into a place a plan of action regarding voting and police reform. They have also demanded more action from team owners from around the league to help influence change across the country.
The two sides will meet in an attempt to formulate a call of action plan to help influence real, meaningful change in the U.S. regarding social injustices and racism.
[lawrence-related id=21978,21974,19835]
[vertical-gallery id=14282]