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The Milwaukee Bucks still haven't come out to the court for Game 6 with the Orlando Magic and there's been some discussion within the Bucks about a boycott, sources tell @malika_andrews and me. NBA officials have gone into the Milwaukee locker room.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 26, 2020
In an unexpected turn of events, the Milwaukee Bucks seem to be considering boycotting today’s game against the Orlando Magic.
Bucks aren't on the court and reportedly are in serious discussions about sitting out the game. Now the Magic have left the court as well. https://t.co/WPiRekKbx3
— Matt Velazquez (@Matt_Velazquez) August 26, 2020
With two minutes on the clock, here is the scene inside AdventHealth Arena: pic.twitter.com/9NngCMeuD7
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) August 26, 2020
This is a developing story.
(Editor’s note: there appears to be a server issue affecting users’ ability to post comments. We’re looking into this issue as well.)
UPDATE: We spoke to the story that is fueling this potential boycott yesterday; in Kenosha, Jacob Blake was shot in the back by two police officers as he attempted to get into his vehicle. There is much, much more to that story, but we’re going to focus on the Bucks for now.
Bucks players formalized decision pregame to boycott Game 5 against Orlando, per sources. Magic players wanted to play, but then returned to locker room. @TheAthleticNBA story: https://t.co/aWBTPrhdNX
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 26, 2020
In hindsight, this wasn’t a huge surprise. Members of the Toronto Raptors were reported to be discussing a boycott earlier in the day, and George Hill in particular was open with how he felt about playing in the bubble during this moment of social unrest.
George Hill's thoughts stand out the most.
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) August 26, 2020
Here was one of his statements from Monday night: pic.twitter.com/z3pOW562UD
UPDATE: It’s official, or at least reported by Woj:
The Milwaukee Bucks have decided to boycott Game 5, source tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 26, 2020
UPDATE: The Bucks are not here to play around, and to their credit, the Magic do not seem interested in claiming a game of the series by forfeit:
Bucks players are in locker room attempting to reach the attorney general of Wisconsin, Josh Kaul, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium. Magic players are leaving the arena soon -- not accepting the Bucks‘ forfeit.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 26, 2020
Additionally, the Bucks only seem to be the first team to boycott.
Rockets-OKC players are planning to boycott Game 5 of their series, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 26, 2020
UPDATE: The NBA, in what is probably a wise move, is reportedly postponing all of today’s games until further notice.
Also, the boycott seems to be expanding to baseball.
Brewers players are meeting in 10 minutes to discuss the status of their game against the Reds tonight.
— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) August 26, 2020