FRISCO, TX. – Another unarmed black man was shot in America. Jacob Blake was paralyzed after being shot in the back seven times on Sunday, August 23, 2020. In protest, players from the Milwaukee Bucks decided to boycott game five of their First Round series against the Orlando Magic on August 26, 2020. This inspired a series of similar actions including the decision by players that postponed FC Dallas vs Colorado.
Postponed FC Dallas vs Colorado Rapids Game: Boycotted Over Jacob Black Shooting
From the very start of the MLS is Back Tournament, the Black Lives Movement has defined some of the most memorable moments of the competition. However when the MLS re-restart occurred featuring home fans for the first time, players were booed by fans present for kneeling in support of Black Lives Matter. But the movement is alive and well.
After Jacob Blake was shot in the streets of Wisconsin by a police officer, the players of the Milwaukee Bucks decided they would not be taking to the court for their August 26 playoff game. “We’re tired of the killings and the injustice” Bucks guard George Hill told The Undefeated. The Bucs players who led the boycott released the following statement:
Full statement from Milwaukee Bucks players who led NBA boycott tonight. pic.twitter.com/AOmHxwUTa7
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 26, 2020
The decision by the players was an absolutely historic action taken. In fact, there has only ever been one other boycott by NBA players in the history of the league.
We’ve only ever seen NBA players boycott a game ONCE. It was an exhibition game in 1961 and Bill Russell with a handful of other Celtics sat out in protest of racial injustice.. the fact we are still doing this 50 years later for the SAME THING should be incredibly telling.
— Elle Duncan (@elleduncanESPN) August 26, 2020
Other Sports Quickly Follow Suit And Postpone Games
After this bold stand was announced, the NBA quickly showed their support for the cause, deciding to postpone both that game and the remaining NBS games scheduled to be played that day.
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. Game 5 of each series will be rescheduled.
— NBA (@NBA) August 26, 2020
The impact of the Bucks’ players decision soon spread into the WNBA and Major League Baseball, with the Cincinnati Reds calling their game off by player decision. Similarly, the WNBA is refusing to play either of their two games scheduled in Florida. Atlanta Dream player Elizabeth Williams, representing the six teams slated to play on August 26, announced the WNBA players are standing with their “brothers in the NBA” and won’t be playing any games today.
Not Every Sports Team Has Decided To Postpone Their Games
While the NHL decided to hold a “moment of reflection,” they announced all games slated for August 26 will be played as scheduled.
Orlando City and Nashville made it to halftime, but at that point, all MLS games were postponed.
All MLS games tonight have been postponed. Looks like another player-led movement. Nashville and Orlando City kicked off first and are currently at halftime.
— Paul Tenorio (@PaulTenorio) August 27, 2020
MLS Games Postponed: FC Dallas vs Colorado Rapids Among Games Not Being Played As Scheduled
Before the postponed FC Dallas vs Colorado Rapids game became official, there were hints that the game wasn’t going to happen. For instance the moment the pre-game started, players were nowhere to be seen warming up on the field seemed a clear indication of their intent.
Then, MLS released this statement:
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 26, 2020
Inter Miami and Atlanta United were the first to make it official.
Tonight’s #InterMiamiCF game vs. @ATLUTD has been postponed.
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 27, 2020
FC Dallas vs Colorado wasn’t far behind in postponing the game.
The match against @FCDallas tonight has been postponed. pic.twitter.com/CRWvOP8sSs
— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) August 27, 2020
This decision to postpone games was one initiated and championed by the players themselves, and is a powerful statement in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
