All three NBA playoff games, as well as two Major League Baseball games, three WNBA games and five MLS matches scheduled for Wednesday were postponed, as players from across the various professional sports leagues joined forces in a boycott sending a powerful message concerning racial injustice.
First round NBA playoff series game five match-ups between Milwaukee and Orlando, Houston and Oklahoma City and the Los Angeles Lakers and Portland were all postponed. The NBA said all three games would be rescheduled, although no dates have been given yet.
The chain reaction of events was set off when the Bucks didn't take the floor for their game. The Bucks are from Wisconsin, a state rocked by last weekend's police shooting of Jacob Blake, a Black man who was shot seven times in the back and is now paralyzed. The shooting has set off protests in Wisconsin and across the country.
Former President Barack Obama offered his support to the NBA and WNBA players and commended them for standing up for what they believe in. He also referenced Los Angeles Clippers Coach Doc Rivers who gave an emotional speech in the aftermath of Blake's shooting in which he said, "We keep loving this country and it doesn't love us back."
The postponement of Wednesday's three WNBA games was announced in dramatic fashion as Atlanta Dream center Elizabeth Williams read a statement live on ESPN.
"What we have seen over the last few months, and most recently with the brutal police shooting of Jacob Blake, is overwhelming," said Williams. "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."
Williams went on to encourage everyone to register to vote and take part in the 2020 census. "If we wait, we don't make change. It matters, your voice matters, your vote matters. Do all you can to demand your leaders stop with the empty words and do something," said Williams.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said the league stands with the players but hopes that the league can finish the season. "I've been so proud of how strong their social justice voice has been around 'Say Her Name' and women victims," said Engelbert. "So it's difficult, but I felt I needed to point out how strong they've been through this, and give them some courage and confidence that basketball's been part of their platform and they can do both. Obviously they decided not to play tonight."
The Atlanta United and Inter Miami CF match Wednesday evening in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was one of five MLS contests postponed. Nashville SC and Orlando City did play as scheduled. Both Atlanta United and the MLS issued statements regarding the boycotts and their support for the black community.
Three Major League Baseball games were also called off hours before they were slated to start, including a game between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Cincinnati Reds, the Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres, and the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Francisco Giants.
No announcements have been made yet on when Wednesday's postponed MLB games and MLS matches will be rescheduled. The NHL said that it did not expect an interruption of its playoff schedule but would hold a "moment of reflection" in honor of Blake before two of its games. Several NFL teams also announced the postponement of some practices and or scrimmages late on Wednesday.
