Thursday Freedom Kicks: Sports go on strike
Only one main story by the end of yesterday
In a day that was full of news from dawn until dusk, the only story that really matters happened in the evening. The NBA, the WNBA, (almost all) MLS teams, and some MLB teams went on strike and refused to play their games last night in response to ongoing police brutality. First organized by the Milwaukee Bucks, players across the country responded to the shooting of Jacob Blake by refusing to play, using their power to make a statement.
The Milwaukee Bucks are sitting out Game 5 against the Magic to protest police brutality
What you need to know about MLS players choosing not to play on Wednesday
The Athletic goes deep on the MLS strike, which was led by Black Players for Change. He also describes the communications strategy and why Orlando and Nashville still played their game.
We demand accountability and justice. We will NOT be silent. Athletes and fans from all over are coming together to create change.
— Zack Steffen (@zackstef_23) August 26, 2020
Stay tuned for more... @VOYCEnow #blacklivesmatter #athletes4change #voycenow pic.twitter.com/uNonojcv8e
We as players made the decision. Fix this, please give the right narrative. https://t.co/0Qhb8L7dMc
— Mark-Anthony Kaye (@MarkThEwizz) August 27, 2020
Proud of all the players taking action tonight.. human lives are more important than sports! MLS, NBA & MLB ✊ ✊ #EqualityCantWait #BlackLivesMatter
— Julian Gressel (@JulianGressel) August 27, 2020
@MLS what are you going to do?
— Jozy Altidore (@JozyAltidore) August 26, 2020
— MLSPA (@MLSPA) August 27, 2020
Like I said, by the end of the day that was the story of the day, the week, and the month. Here’s a brief round-up of the other things that happened, though. There was a lot of it.
Update below from Salt Lake Tribune on #uswnt player. As for the trade talks between Utah Royals and Washington Spirit, one source described it as "silent." https://t.co/INOREsphCd
— Steven Goff (@SoccerInsider) August 27, 2020
Washington Spirit strikes deal to play home matches in NWSL fall series at Segra Field in Leesburg Sept. 5 (vs. Sky Blue FC) and Sept. 12 (vs. Chicago Red Stars), I'm told. Firm plan whether to allow fans to be determined soon. Virginia guidelines permit up to 1,000 spectators.
— Steven Goff (@SoccerInsider) August 26, 2020
Flores undergoing scans on orbital bones for possible fractures.
— Steven Goff (@SoccerInsider) August 26, 2020
In other news, #OCSC announces that a first team player has returned an inconclusive #COVID19 test. He has been isolated from team pending a second, follow-up test. #VamosOrlando #MLS
— Jeff Carlisle (@JeffreyCarlisle) August 26, 2020
Minnesota United takes a big leap of faith with their own academy design
Yeah this is not how a coach touches a player. pic.twitter.com/0vvtJimjnc
— Seoul Train (@BlasianSays) August 26, 2020
This last one is so gross and infuriating, and it happened live on TV carried across the world.
That’s all I’ve got today. Be well, friends.