NBA BOYCOTT

 

On Wednesday August 26^th the Milwaukee Bucks boycotted their game against the Orlando Magic in protest over the Jacob Blake shooting where police shot him 7 times in the back, which occured in front of his kids. The Jacob Blake shooting took place about 40 minutes away from Milwaukee in Wisconsin.  The NBA quickly postpone all games over the next two days this led to discussions between NBA players debating whether they should resume the season with everything going on. When the NBA bubble began, they made sure to continue spread the message that Black Lives Matter and they also spoke on other social issues and injustices going on in America. The games resumed Saturday and the question on many people’s minds is did the players do enough. When comes to the players using their platforms many people feel as though the best to bring awareness is by not playing the rest of the season. With the belief being that by not playing it will hit the billionaire owners in their pockets ad even force them to use their political influence to bring about change.

The players have spoken with the 13 owners who are in playoff bubble and have come up with initiatives to help combat and address system racism and also making all 30 NBA Arenas polling stations. This is great because this can help encourage people to vote but help with voter suppression by providing an additional place for people to vote. Most arenas are in the heart of a major city where most people live and have access to get to as well. 

The NBA players are in an unfair situation because unfortunately when it comes to black people our voices  go unheard. When we see celebrities or athletes, we look to them not only speak up but also do things that white counter parts are not asked. In the eyes of many black people the postponement of two days of games is seen as another symbolic gesture same as wearing t shirt or having black lives matter displayed on the court is. When it comes to America change seems to come when money is affected. Which is why many people think the players should cancel the rest of the season have the owners apply pressure to the politicians so that laws can be put in place to help fight against police brutality and systemic racism. Many players feel that their platform is best used where they can be seen by millions of people and that them playing is best way for them to use their platform. 

Money is truly the ultimate motivator no better example than the Washington Football team changing their name due to pressure brought about from multi billion-dollar companies who wanted a name change. I am on the fence about the players decision to play because I understand both both sides of the argument when it comes to resuming play. Muhammad Ali gave up the prime of his career for what he believed in when he refused to fight in the Vietnam War. When you have as much power as athletes do today and with how much money is invested in them, the question will always be are they using their power to it’s full extent.