The NHL has postponed the playoff games scheduled for Thursday and Friday following a wave of player protests across sports leagues following the shooting of Jacob Blake.
Blake, an unarmed Black man, was shot in the back seven times by police in Kenosha, Wis. on Sunday. Blake’s father announced on Tuesday that Blake is currently paralyzed from the waist down as a result of the shooting.
The decision to postpone the games was made by the players, the NHL said in a statement:
Statement from the National Hockey League Players’ Association and National Hockey League. https://t.co/uV1F5iDeUS pic.twitter.com/JS2t0MvUij
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) August 27, 2020
— Vancouver #Canucks (@Canucks) August 27, 2020
Statement from the Vegas Golden Knights and our players pic.twitter.com/WVvhtnS8Q1
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) August 27, 2020
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) August 27, 2020
https://t.co/0hVQ5Vos7s pic.twitter.com/7hqRcjXES6
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) August 27, 2020
We the @TheOfficialHDA have formally requested the @NHL to suspend all playoff games today. We strongly feel this sends a clear message that human rights take priority over sports.
— Matt Dumba (@matt_dumba) August 27, 2020
Message from #HDA to players, "Don’t let this moment pass, this is bigger than hockey." Next step is to get commitment from #NHL & owners to make meaningful change. Belief is owners have the right relationships, need to make investments & use their networks to sell the message
— Farhan Lalji (@FarhanLaljiTSN) August 27, 2020
Amazing statement of solidarity for the black community by @nba @wnba and @mlb players!!!.... @nhl where you at?... tick tock....
— Akim Aliu (@Dreamer_Aliu78) August 26, 2020
NBA Players leading! ✊?WE STAND WITH YOU AND DEMAND CHANGE! @TheOfficialHDA
— Matt Dumba (@matt_dumba) August 26, 2020
Major statement by the NBA players ?????? I’m with it!
— Evander Kane (@evanderkane_9) August 26, 2020
NFL
We have cancelled all team activities today.
Coach Kingsbury will be addressing the media at approximately 9:30 AM MST.
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) August 27, 2020
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) August 27, 2020
It has been a very difficult day on many levels. After many conversations with Head Coach Ron Rivera and Jason, we have decided to postpone tomorrow’s practice at FedExField to engage in meaningful dialogue on social injustice. pic.twitter.com/7rGYYxDurD
— Julie Donaldson (@juliedonaldson_) August 27, 2020
It will take all of us. pic.twitter.com/hHMKIAyT70
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) August 27, 2020
How can you hear the pain Black people are going through and dismiss it as nothing. How can you hear the pain and respond with anything other than “I stand with you.”
— Joey Burrow (@JoeyB) August 27, 2020
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) August 27, 2020
Please take a moment to listen.
Full Statement: https://t.co/M3ztx3aRJX pic.twitter.com/jIkvgiKE2x
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) August 27, 2020
I’m not here solely your entertainment.. I’m a Black Man. No I won’t shut up when it comes to my community and the problems we face as a whole.. if that bothers you . Then don’t watch me don’t follow me don’t support me.. if you are not here to help then leave. I will be ok
— Adrian Amos (@_SmashAmos31) August 27, 2020
I stand now and say, I was ignorant and recognize I benefited from a broken system that was made for people that looked like myself. This is about humanity and nothing else! #BlackLivesMatter is all of our responsibilities to fight for equality as human beings!
— Lucas Patrick (@lucaspatrick62) August 27, 2020
MLB
Following a day in which three MLB games were postponed, at least four games will not be played tonight:
- Red Sox-Blue Jays
- Twins-Tigers
- Phillies-Nationals
- Rangers-A's https://t.co/7ovJV6KM3Q
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 27, 2020
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) August 27, 2020
