Milwaukee Bucks
ORLANDO, FL (WSAU) — The Milwaukee Bucks have boycotted Game Five of their Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series against the Orlando Magic after the shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha.
NBA insiders from the Orlando Bubble observed the team going through some normal pre-game shooting, but with around ten minutes to go on the countdown clock they did not come out of the locker room for their usual layup line. The Orlando Magic were on the floor, according to Bucks Radio, but then stopped their warm-ups and choose to follow the Bucks in protest.
At around 3:20 the Bucks Radio announces observed game equipment being put away.
George Hill told reporters in the Bubble that the team is “tired of the killings and injustice.” Other reports said it was clear the team has been deeply shaken by the events in Kenosha.
The Orlando Magic have reportedly refused to accept a forfeit win for Wednesday’s game as a sign of solidarity with the Bucks.
Other teams have discussed the possibility of protesting their games as well, including Toronto and Boston who are set to meet in an Eastern Conference Semifinal series.
It should be noted that Bucks player Sterling Brown is still in the process of suing the City of Milwaukee for police brutality after he was knocked to the ground and had a knee on his neck for parking incorrectly at a Milwaukee-area Walgreens.
Shortly after the Bucks made the decision, the NBA reportedly postponed all of today’s playoff games, saying they will be rescheduled. Players from all teams remaining in the bubble will reportedly hold a meeting at 7 CT to discuss how they would like to move forward.
The Milwaukee Brewers then followed the Bucks in lockstep by voting to not play their scheduled game Wednesday against the Cincinnati Reds. It’s unclear when the game will be made up. The Reds have reportedly chosen to not take a forfeit win for Wednesday.
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