The resumption of playoff games could come as soon as Friday, but there is expected to be a return to this season by the weekend, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/A2PazNKDhy
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 27, 2020
There is a meeting of NBA owners and players set for later today, sources tell @MarcJSpears and me. The discussion is expected to include plans of action moving forward on social justice issues.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 27, 2020
I’m sure some critics will pounch of this as the players choosing money over principle but that would be a callous interpretation. Players are protesting an injustice shouldn’t be expected to forfeit their livelihoods and careers, which is what would have happened had they decided to boycott the rest of the playoffs.
The NBA would then have been forced to use the force majeure provision in the CBA and lockout the players, which would have not only ended the playoffs but also the next season as well as putting the entire future of the league at risk. We’re not only talking about players but all of the workers in the arenas and NBA related industries in the middle of a pandemic and recession. It’s a good thing that wiser heads prevailed.
The boycott can evolve in different directions. The players can keep the focus on the injustice and fight to get Wisconsin and Kenosha to do the right thing. League sponsors and other socially conscious companies can put pressure on the state and city to respond to the injustice. This is a good thing, not a bad thing. Shine light on what’s wrong is always important.