NBA legend Jerry West came out in support of NBA players who went on strike Wednesday, declining to play in any games in protest of the latest police shooting in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Video revealed that 29-year old Jacob Blake was shot seven times in the back by police. Not long after the video's release, an outpouring of emotion and support came from players and coaches inside the NBA's bubble. Raptors guard Fred Van Vleet and Celtics forward Jayson Tatum discussed not playing their playoff series. Bucks guard George Hill questioned by teams were even in Orlando. Clippers head coach Doc Rivers and guard Lou Williams both expressed their anguish after a crucial Game 5 win over the Mavs Tuesday night. The NBA playoffs came to a halt on Wednesday.
The former Los Angeles Lakers legend and current LA Clippers executive spoke with KCAL9's longtime sports reporter Jim Hill about the recent protests.
“I applaud the NBA, but more importantly, the courage of the players to come out and have a platform to speak out the wrong that are going on in this country,” Jerry West said in a phone interview. “It's unbelievably disturbing to me. Just unbelievably disturbing.”
NBA games on Thursday have also been postponed after players elected not to play again as they meet to discuss how to move forward. The NBA's Board of Governors also met Thursday morning and will meet again later that night as well.
The NBA is expected to resume either Friday or Saturday, but the latest protests have proved that the players wield a lot more power than anyone expected. If sports indeed provided a distraction away from social and racial issues, players walking out and refusing to play drew attention worldwide. The MLB and MLS followed suit, and even the NFL is getting in on the boycotts.
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