The sports world was in shock following the NBA’s league-wide boycotts today. To bring attention and raise awareness on the issue of police brutality and social injustice, players and teams participating in the playoffs decided to sit out the games in protest of the status quo.
And while many applaud the willingness by the players to sacrifice in order to draw attention to the cause, the boycotts could have some serious repercussions on the state of the NBA playoffs.
According to John Gambadoro, a sports radio Talk Show host on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM, a player told him the 2019-20 postseason may never return.
Players meeting in the bubble tonight. Was told by a player that the season is in jeopardy.
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) August 26, 2020
Obviously, with the NBA playoffs already taking place months behind schedule, the NBA can only fit so many delays. Plus, with no real answer on when the players will plan on suiting up, there’s no way to predict when play can resume.
On the other side of the aisle, there have been a few voices advocating for the season to continue…
Yahoo Sources: There’s a sizable amount of players advocating to finish the season out since sacrifices were made to enter the bubble, believing the NBA platform is a useful resource in this social climate.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) August 26, 2020
Of course, there’s also the matter of these boycotts trickling into other sports as well. According to USA Today MLB insider Bob Nightengale, the Brewers are having discussions about sitting out their game as well.
#SFGiants manager Gabe Kapler strongly supports actions by the #NBA and the #Brewers, and says his team is having conversations on whether they will play their game tonight vs. the #Dodgers
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) August 26, 2020
This move by the NBA bubble players will have a profound impact on the sports world. As they join the fight to inspire change and justice, basketball is having to take a back seat.
