Jacob Blake isn ’ t supposed to be alive .
Jacob Blake
‘ This Is Sick and Is a Real Problem ’ - NBA , NFL , WNBA Players Speak Out After Jacob Blake Shooting
Jacob Blake isn ’ t supposed to be alive .
On Sunday , the Kenosha , Wis ., native was shot at least seven times in the back by local police after breaking up a verbal altercation between two women . In response , the city has descended into chaos as the 29-year-old fights for his life in intensive care .
Protests have sprung up throughout the city , civil unrest has brought Kenosha to its knees and countless celebrities , entertainers and public figures have expressed outrage at the latest instance of America ’ s favorite pastime : the complete destruction and disregard for Black bodies .
When the NBA moved forward with its plans to resume play , the topic of social justice became a contentious issue . Many players feared that by playing , they ’ d distract from the progress being made in the aftermath of George Floyd ’ s death at the hands of police officers . But a compromise was made , and the league not only resumed play but has incorporated various social justice initiatives as part of its efforts to empower and protect the Black community .
Jacob Blake
But playing on a court with “ Black Lives Matter ” printed across it doesn ’ t mean that society treats us as though we do , so it comes as no surprise that Blake ’ s shooting at the hands of local police incited responses from players and personnel throughout the NBA .
“ It ’ s just sickening . It ’ s heartless . It ’ s a fucked up situation ,” Milwaukee Bucks guard George Hill said on Monday . “ You ’ re supposed to look at the police to protect and serve . Now , it ’ s looked at harass or shoot .
“ To almost take a guy ’ s life , thank God he ’ s still alive . I know the cops are probably upset he ’ s still alive , because I know they surely tried to kill him . But to almost take a man ’ s life , especially in front of one ’ s kids , that wasn ’ t resisting in his back at point-blank range , is a heartless and gutless situation . We need some justice for that .”
Program Success 10 September 2020