Democratic presidential nominee Joseph R. Biden applauded the Milwaukee Bucks for boycotting a playoff game in protest of the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Wisconsin.
Biden tweeted the Bucks were “using their platform for good” as Milwaukee’s withdrawal Wednesday resulted in the league postponing the three scheduled games for that evening. Other sports followed the Bucks’ lead with MLB postponing select games and NFL teams like Washington and the New York Jets canceling their next practice.
Blake, a 29-year-old Black man, was shot by police in Kenosha, Wisconsin, over the weekend as he tried to enter his car with his three children. The incident sparked anger, leading to protests and riots around the country.
On Twitter, Biden responded to the Bucks’ decision. He quote-tweeted the Bucks’ original video in which guard George Hill explained their rationale for sitting out.
“This moment demands moral leadership,” Biden tweeted. “And these players answered by standing up, speaking out, and using their platform for good. Now is not the time for silence.”
This moment demands moral leadership. And these players answered by standing up, speaking out, and using their platform for good.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) August 27, 2020
Now is not the time for silence. https://t.co/hF3dIb7Hde
Former President Barack Obama also encouraged the Bucks with a tweet.
I commend the players on the @Bucks for standing up for what they believe in, coaches like @DocRivers, and the @NBA and @WNBA for setting an example. It’s going to take all our institutions to stand up for our values. pic.twitter.com/rUGETgAt7P
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 27, 2020
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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