Update: 6:26 p.m.
Watcha and read the Milwaukee Bucks’ team statement below.
The Milwaukee Bucks statement: pic.twitter.com/F7XOPs4NqE
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) August 26, 2020
“The past four months have shed a light on the ongoing racial injustices facing our African American communities. Citizens around the country have used their voices and platforms to speak out against these wrongdoings.
“Over the last few days in our home state of Wisconsin, we’ve seen the horrendous video of Jacob Blake being shot in the back seven times by a police officer in Kenosha, and the additional shooting of protestors. Despite the overwhelming plea for change, there has been no action, so our focus today cannot be on basketball.
“When we take the court and represent Milwaukee and Wisconsin, we are expected to play at a high level, give maximum effort and hold each other accountable. We hold ourselves to that standard, and in this moment, we are demanding the same from our lawmakers and law enforcement.
“We are calling for justice for Jacob Blake and demand the officers be held accountable. 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 Nov. 3.”
Update: 5:43 p.m.
A statement from Bucks owners Wes Edens, Marc Lasry & Jamie Dinan.
“We fully support our players and the decision they made. Although we did not know beforehand, we would have wholeheartedly agreed with them. The only way to bring about change is to shine a light on the racial injustices that are happening in front of us. Our players have done that and we will continue to stand alongside them and demand accountability and change.”
Update: 5:31 p.m.
The Bucks have talked with Wisconsin’s attorney general and lieutenant governor about the Jacob Blake case, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
Inside the locker room, the Milwaukee Bucks were on a conference call with Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul and Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 26, 2020
Update: 4:10 p.m.
The NBA makes it official. No Bucks-Magic or other games tonight, all games rescheduled.
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
Update: 4:02 p.m.
No NBA games will be played today, as every game is being halted due to postponements.
The Lakers and Trail Blazers are sitting Game 5 of series, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 26, 2020
All three NBA games will not be played as players sit in wake of Jacob Blake shooting.
Update: 3:55 p.m.
The Bucks are leaving the arena in the bubble.
Milwaukee gear is being loaded up and bags are headed back to the buses. pic.twitter.com/Bh3WuXPRDc
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) August 26, 2020
Update: 3:53 p.m.
Bucks Senior VP Alex Lasry shares his support for the team’s move.
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
— Alex Lasry (@AlexanderLasry) August 26, 2020
Update: 3:45 p.m.
The Bucks aren’t the only team choosing to boycott. Both Houston and Oklahoma City are doing the same.
Rockets-OKC players are planning to boycott Game 5 of their series, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 26, 2020
Update: 3:44 p.m.
The Athletic’s Shams Charania says the Bucks are attempting to reach Josh Kaul in Madison, and the Magic are leaving the arena.
Bucks players are in locker room attempting to reach the attorney general of Wisconsin, Josh Kaul, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium. Magic players are leaving the arena soon — not accepting the Bucks‘ forfeit.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 26, 2020
Update: 3:41 p.m.
As reported on WTMJ with the Bucks Radio Network’s Ted Davis & Justin Garcia: The Bucks’ George Hill has left the team’s locker room while the Magic have reportedly left their locker room.
Update: 3:32 p.m.
Coach Mike Budenholzer spoke about the issues leading to the boycott during his pregame talk, when there was no decision about such a boycott.
"It is a great challenge to have an appreciation and a desire to want change. To want something different and better in Kenosha, Milwaukee and Wisconsin and then to go out and play a game." pic.twitter.com/BCmHZdFf1P
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) August 26, 2020
Update: 3:23 p.m.
From Dennis Krause, longtime Bucks analyst:
To be clear, the boycott is by the Bucks. The Magic players had been warming up on the court. The NBA has not announced the next step.
— Dennis Krause (@DennisKrause1) August 26, 2020
Update: 3:20 p.m.:
From Marc Spears of The Undefeated, who spoke with the Bucks’ George Hill:
Bucks guard George Hill says to @TheUndefeated his team is not playing against Orlando tonight in light of shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisc. “We’re tired of the killings and the injustice,” Hill to @TheUndefeated.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) August 26, 2020
Update: 3:14 p.m.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski says the Bucks are boycotting Game 5 in protest.
The Milwaukee Bucks have decided to boycott Game 5, source tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 26, 2020
The Bucks players made this decision in the wake of the Jacob Blake shooting in Wisconsin, ultimately deciding that they wouldn't leave the locker room for the start of Game 5 against Orlando. https://t.co/COJ6E0aJLj
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 26, 2020
Update: 3:08 p.m.
WTMJ Bucks voice Ted Davis said officials were leaving the playing floor as the Bucks remain in their locker room.
The Bucks still haven't come out to the court for Game 5 and the Magic have left the court. pic.twitter.com/tA6pSaXGsM
— ESPN (@espn) August 26, 2020
Update: 3:04 p.m.
There are at least two reports that the Milwaukee Bucks are considering sitting out Game 5 of their NBA playoff series against the Orlando Magic.
Both ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and The Athletic’s Shams Charania are reporting these updates:
Milwaukee and NBA personnel are standing outside of Bucks‘ locker room — where players have been adamant about sitting Game 5 in protest, sources tell me and @joevardon. https://t.co/3IxSnRnldr
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 26, 2020
The Milwaukee Bucks still haven't come out to the court for Game 6 with the Orlando Magic and there's been some discussion within the Bucks about a boycott, sources tell @malika_andrews and me. NBA officials have gone into the Milwaukee locker room.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 26, 2020
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