Several MLB teams opt not to play in response to police shooting in Wisconsin
Multiple MLB games were postponed Wednesday night as players decided to sit out in response to the police shooting of Jacob Blake Sunday in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
The Milwaukee Brewers followed the lead of the NBA’s Bucks, who opted not to play Game 5 of their first-round playoff series. Wednesday’s Brewers-Reds game was postponed.
The Mariners-Padres game Wednesday was also postponed after the M’s The Mariners have voted to not play tonight.
Austin Hedges, Tommy Pham and Manny Machado just met with Kyle Seager, Shed Long and Marco Gonzales.
Giants-Dodgers was on the verge of being postponed as well.
Rockies outfielder Matt Kemp said that he will not play Wednesday.
?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2020Tonight I stand with my fellow professional athletes in protest of the injustices my people continue to suffer. I could not play this game I love so much tonight knowing the hurt and anguish my people continue to… https://t.co/nxUt02S64v
— Matt Kemp (@TheRealMattKemp)
Tonight I stand with my fellow professional athletes in protest of the injustices my people continue to suffer. I could not play this game I love so much tonight knowing the hurt and anguish my people continue to… https://t.co/nxUt02S64v
— Matt Kemp (@TheRealMattKemp) August 26, 2020
The Phillies-Nationals game began on time at 6:05 p.m. The Yankees and Braves, Red Sox and Blue Jays, Orioles and Rays, Cubs and Tigers, Twins and Indians, Marlins and Mets all began their games as scheduled.
Earlier Wednesday, Giants manager Gabe Kapler, who skippered the Phillies in 2018 and 2019, spoke about racism and police brutality. Here is part of what he said:
“Some things, I think, are just bigger than sports and I don’t think it should require athletes needing to boycott playoff games to remind us Black Lives Matter and that police brutality is unacceptable and that systemic racism needs to be eliminated. And what I believe in most is speaking out and taking strong action based on your beliefs.
“I have the utmost respect for players who are refusing to be silent about issues that are bigger than sports. Racism and police brutality are issues that we’re not going to be silent about either. These conversations are happening in our clubhouse and in our coaches’ room, and at the same time, I believe everyone should choose how and when to express themselves and act. We’re going to continue to look for ways to use our platforms individually and as an organization to promote meaningful change and to combat inequality and injustice.”
?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2020Gabe Kapler discusses the possibility of not playing tonight's game pic.twitter.com/fJGpwLXlIK
— SF Giants on NBCS (@NBCSGiants)
Gabe Kapler discusses the possibility of not playing tonight's game pic.twitter.com/fJGpwLXlIK
— SF Giants on NBCS (@NBCSGiants) August 26, 2020
