UPDATE: The WNBA is standing in solidarity with the NBA after several teams boycotted their games on Wednesday (Aug. 26). Three scheduled WNBA games have been postponed as part of protest for the recent shooting of Jacob Blake.
“We stand in solidarity with our brothers in the NBA, and will continue this conversation with our brothers and sisters across all leagues and look to take collective action,” said the Dreams’ Elizabeth Williams. “What we have seen over the last few months, and most recently with the brutal police shooting of Jacob Blake, is overwhelming. And while we hurt for Jacob and his community, we also have an opportunity to keep the focus on the issues and demand change.
“These moments are why it’s important for our fans to stay focused, hear our voices, know our hearts, and connect the dots from what we say to what we do.”
Original story: Several NBA teams have announced that they are boycotting their playoff games today (Aug. 26) following the shooting of Jacob Blake, a 29-year-old Black man who was shot by police officers in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
“The NBA and the NBPA today announced that in light of the Milwaukee Bucks’ decision to not take the floor today for Game 5 against the Orlando Magic, today’s three games – MIL-ORL, HOU-OKC and LAL-POR have been postponed,” tweeted the official Twitter page of the NBA. “Game 5 of each series will be rescheduled.”
According to reporter Shams Charania, the Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder announced that they were boycotting Game 5 of their playoff series before the NBA made their announcement. “Decision made. Thunder and Rockets are boycotting Game 5, sources said,” he tweeted.
This news comes just minutes after the Milwaukee Bucks announced that they were boycotting Game 5 of their playoff series against the Orlando Magic. Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN revealed the historic news on Twitter.
“The Bucks players made this decision in the wake of the Jacob Blake shooting in Wisconsin, ultimately deciding that they wouldn’t leave the locker room for the start of Game 5 against Orlando,” he tweeted.
On Sunday (Aug. 23), Blake was shot multiple times by a police officer after he reportedly tried to break up a fight between two women. A video of the shooting went viral and viewers watched as Blake was riddled with bullets in his back — while his kids watched from inside the car.
Blake’s family members say he is now paralyzed from the waist down. Since the shooting, protests have erupted throughout Kenosha as people demand that the officers involved be arrested and charged.
According to The Athletic, the Bucks are reportedly in their locker room trying to reach the attorney general of Wisconsin. The players are meeting tonight in the bubble to discuss the next steps.