A historic week in sports: Unprecedented protests and the death of a legend
Sports world takes a pause
Most of the sports world took a hiatus last week in protest of racial injustice.
The police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin, led the Milwaukee Bucks to not take the floor in protest Wednesday for their Game 5 against the Orlando Magic. That eventually led to the postponement of Wednesday's playoff games, and "NBA on TNT" analyst Kenny Smith left the set in a show of solidarity with the players.
"Despite the overwhelming pleas for change, there has been no action, so our focus today cannot be on basketball," the Bucks said in a statement on their decision.
What followed was similar boycotts-turned-postponements in baseball, starting with the Milwaukee Brewers, as well as the WNBA, MLS and tennis.
Quite simply, what the Bucks did will alter the course of history, Nancy Armour writes.
The incredible player-led movements continued into Thursday and Friday, with the NHL taking a two-day break, the NBA still postponing competition and nearly all MLB teams boycotting at least one game, including the Astros – making a powerful statement on Jackie Robinson Day – on Friday night.
The NBA and the players reached an agreement Friday to resume the playoffs Saturday, in conjunction with the announcement of more social justice initiatives.
But was the NBA season ever in jeopardy? Despite the tense conversations, NBPA leadership insists players were "always unified" and that players' voices will continue to be heard.
Tributes pour in for legendary coach John Thompson
Former Georgetown coach John Thompson, the first Black coach to win a college basketball national championship, passed away. Our Mike Jones discusses the late coach's impact, while Steve Berkowitz discusses "knowing" the man.
Former NBA superstar Allen Iverson, who played at Georgetown, thanked Thompson for saving his life.
The must-read stories from last week:
- Hollywood script: White Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito tossed the first no-hitter of the 2020 season.
- 'Losing friends has been a big cost': Legendary football player Herschel Walker, who spoke during the RNC, said he has paid a price for his friendship with President Trump.
- 'Thank you for being true': Colin Kaepernick sends note to LeBron James amid NBA protest.
- 'Singled out for being Black': NFL veteran Carlos Dunlap opened up about experiencing racism at a Fort Lauderdale park this summer.
- Must-watch: A Rockies-Diamondbacks game produced one of the weirdest, funniest plays you'll ever see.
- 'A very risky proposition': Colleges prep for football, fans, and tailgating.
- RIP: Hall of Fame coach Lute Olson, who guided Arizona to the 1997 national title during his decorated tenure in Tucson, died Thursday at 85.
- 'Hurt, scared, frustrated' but motivated: College football players find their voice with social justice demonstrations.
- 'We're just scared': LeBron James, NBA players share how past experiences led to fear of police.
- College football is back!: And it's definitely different! What we learned from a dramatic, surreal season opener between Central Arkansas and Austin Peay.
Further reviews
Need some pointers on how to start playing some individual sports? Our partners at Reviewed have you covered:
- Helpful tips for getting your kids interested in golf.
- Want to start playing tennis? Here's where to begin.
- Ways to support your team *and* save money.
- Interested in strength training? Here's how you can start without leaving the house.
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