Instead of taking his routine questions from the media on Monday morning, Milwaukee Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer took some time to recognize Jacob Blake, a Black man who was shot at point-blank range by Kenosha police in Wisconsin over the weekend.
The Bucks also sent out an official statement with regards to Blake's shooting, noting that the team is against the reoccurring issues of excessive force in these scenarios:
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) August 24, 2020
Jacob Blake is fighting for his life after the shooting. The city of Kenosha declared an overnight curfew as protests grew around the area. The state's Department of Justice has placed the officers involved on administrative leave, and the case is being further investigated. A report of the incident is expected to be presented to the prosecutor within 30 days.
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers sent out several statements of his own in support of Blake and his family:
Tonight, Jacob Blake was shot in the back multiple times, in broad daylight, in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Kathy and I join his family, friends, and neighbors in hoping earnestly that he will not succumb to his injuries.
— Governor Tony Evers (@GovEvers) August 24, 2020
Budenholzer is calling for real change:
Other coaches have made daily opening statements in the NBA bubble, but Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer typically just takes questions from reporters.
Today, he instead opened with his thoughts on Jacob Blake, "another young Black man shot by a police officer."
Full statement: pic.twitter.com/NGh5m8TnGm
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) August 24, 2020
The shooting took place just after 5:00 p.m. ET on Sunday. According to police statements, officers were sent to respond to a reported domestic incident. Jacob Blake was reportedly trying to break up a fight before the shooting.
Several officers can be seen standing on a sidewalk next to a four-door S.U.V. The man identified as Mr. Blake, wearing a white tank top and black shorts, walks along the passenger side of the vehicle, away from the officers as they yell and as at least one of them points a gun at him.
Mr. Blake walks around the front of the vehicle and opens the driver-side door. Numerous people can be heard yelling, and one officer grabs the man’s shirt. As he opens the door, at least half a dozen shots can be heard while at least two officers can be seen with their guns pointed at him.
Jacob Blake's shooting comes just months after the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In an effort to institute change, protests against racism have sprung up around the country.
The Bucks continue their first-round playoff matchup against the Orlando Magic on Monday afternoon. Currently, Milwaukee is leading the series, 2-1.
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