Bucks Players Call for Justice for Jacob Blake After Boycott of Game

Players with the Milwaukee Bucks called for justice for Jacob Blake, and for state legislators to reconvene in Wisconsin in a statement they released after their boycott of Game 5 of their series against the Orlando Magic on August 26.

When the Bucks failed to show on court, Magic players left the arena and said they would not accept a Bucks forfeit.

“We are calling for justice for Jacob Blake and demand the officers be held accountable,” the players’ statement said. “For this to occur, it is imperative for the Wisconsin State Legislature to reconvene after months of inaction and take up meaningful measures to address issues of police accountability, brutality and criminal justice reform. We encourage all citizens to educate themselves, take peaceful and responsible action, and remember to vote on November 3.”

Bucks management rowed in behind the players, with senior vice president Alex Lasry tweeting, “Some things are bigger than basketball. The stand taken today by the players and org shows that we’re fed up. Enough is enough. Change needs to happen. I’m incredibly proud of our guys and we stand 100% behind our players ready to assist and bring about real change.”

After the Bucks’ decision, the NBA postponed Wednesday’s other games, in which the Houston Rockets were due to face the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the LA Lakers were due to play the Portland Trail Blazers.

Major League Baseball, Major League Soccer, and the Women’s NBA also postponed games. Credit: Milwaukee Bucks via Storyful