While the NBA playoffs continue to roll on in Orlando at Walt Disney World, an issue that the players have brought attention to since the season resumed occurred in Wisconsin on Sunday evening.
Protests have erupted in Wisconsin following the police shooting of a Black man identified as Jacob Blake. The victim has been hospitalized and is in critical condition.
Wow. This Black man was shot several times in the back by @KenoshaPolice today. He was getting into his car after apparently breaking up a fight between two women. He’s in critical condition now. We demand JUSTICE! #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/I1reDEp4nw
— Ben Crump (@AttorneyCrump) August 24, 2020
Police were responding to a domestic disturbance call and shot Blake seven times as he tried to enter his vehicle after he reportedly broke up a fight between two women. Blake's three children were in the vehicle at the time of the shooting.
The Milwaukee Bucks and head coach Mike Budenholzer released a statement ahead of the team's Game 4 matchup against the Orlando Magic on Monday.
"Just like to send out my thoughts and prayers to Jacob Blake and his family, another young Black man shot by a police officer," Budenholzer said. "We need to have change. We need to be better. And I'm hoping for the best for him and his family. I'm hoping for the best as we work through this in Wisconsin and Milwaukee and Kenosha. So thoughts and prayers for Jacob Blake."
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) August 24, 2020
“I would just like to send out my thoughts and prayers to Jacob Blake and his family...we need to have change, we need to be better.” pic.twitter.com/qf6qAsnopc
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) August 24, 2020
The police officers who shot Blake have been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation.
Many players across the NBA expressed their anger and utter disbelief following the incident, calling for change.
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) August 24, 2020
It has to STOP!!! https://t.co/9zFk5ELtWx
— Bradley Beal (@RealDealBeal23) August 24, 2020
We gonna keep saying BLM or do something else now... I’m tire of seeing us treated like nothing ... if that was a dog they’ll be in jail right now
— Nick Young (@NickSwagyPYoung) August 24, 2020
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.!! https://t.co/QDmPFwR2ye
— JAE CROWDER (@CJC9BOSS) August 24, 2020
this is just very sad
— Jordan Clarkson (@JordanClarksons) August 24, 2020
Cops feel so free to kill a black man but will let a mass murderer walk away in hand cuffs. How can we have hope shit will change when everyday we go on this app and see this shit WTF! https://t.co/4rqU9shNQf
— kuz (@kylekuzma) August 24, 2020
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