It's another sad day for the US justice system. In a surprising turn of events, which also shocked the NBA, the police officer who shot Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin in August will not be facing criminal charges. Rusten Sheskey, who shot Blake seven times, has been cleared of criminal charges after a local country district decision was released on Tuesday.
As expected, the ruling has sparked outrage on social media. Members of the NBA community were outright appalled and saddened by the news.
LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers was one of the first few superstars to speak out on the injustice.
AT ALL!!! 😤😤😤😤😤😤. 🤦🏾♂️ https://t.co/m3iv1NZxQY
— LeBron James (@KingJames) January 5, 2021
His teammate Wesley Matthews also shared his disappointment, saying it's truly disheartening.
Wes Matthews on no arrest or changes being made in shooting of Jacob Blake: “It’s disheartening. Truly it’s disheartening.”
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) January 6, 2021
Several coaches also aired their grievances about the decision.
Steve Nash says "it's very disappointing" to hear about the news with Jacob Blake. "I'm sorry for his family and his community."
— Matt Brooks (@MattBrooksNBA) January 5, 2021
Quin Snyder, on today's Jacob Blake news: "It's something that I think our players, coaching staff, organization are acutely aware of and continue to be aware of. It's an ongoing dialogue for us." Added the Jazz remain issue-focused, with discussion today of Georgia run-offs.
— Eric Walden (@tribjazz) January 5, 2021
Ty Lue on whether there's been talk within the team on the Jacob Blake case: "We haven't had a chance to discuss it… it's something we'll discuss once we have the whole team together."
— Mirjam Swanson (@MirjamSwanson) January 6, 2021
The Milwaukee Bucks, who initiated a boycott in the NBA Bubble following Blake's shooting, also issued a statement regarding police brutality.
After the Kenosha, WI County DA’s decision not to bring charges against the officer who shot Jacob Blake, the Milwaukee Bucks issue this statement:
“The Bucks organization remains firmly against excessive use of force …”
It doesn’t mention Blake or Kenosha specifically. pic.twitter.com/EQoNkXTreJ
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) January 6, 2021
The Marquette Golden Eagles, meanwhile, plan to join the outcry by peacefully protesting with their black uniforms.
#mubb to wear Black uniforms tonight in support of Jacob Blake, his family and the Kenosha community. #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/Z53K6dUJSI
— Marquette Basketball (@MarquetteMBB) January 6, 2021
Blake survived the police shooting but was left paralyzed from the waist down. He spent six weeks in the hospital before being cleared to rehabilitate and recover as an outpatient. Blake has now moved to Illinois as he slowly recovers from the near-fatal shooting.
The incident, which was captured on video, happened as Blake was reaching into his vehicle after an initial scuffle with police officers at the scene. The police officers were responding to a 911 domestic violence call that involved Blake and his partner. Blake was then shot seven times by Sheskey after he perceived Blake to be reaching for a weapon. Blake's three sons were inside the vehicle when Sheskey opened fire.
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