The NBA Community Reacts To Riots On Capitol Hill

Boston Celtics players kneel as they sing the United States national anthem before the game against the Miami Heat at the American Airlines Arena, Miami (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - The Boston Celtics and Miami Heat players leave the field shortly before their match at the American Airlines Arena, Miami, Wednesday evening US time or Thursday morning WIB. The two teams then issued a joint statement just before tipoff.

The move came hours after rioters who were supporters of President Donald Trump stormed Capitol Hill and disrupted a Congressional vote to authorize the US presidential election. The day before, word got out that the police officers involved in the shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin, would not be charged.

"2021 is a new year, but things have not changed," said the joint statement as quoted by Antara from ESPN.

"We played tonight's game with a heavy heart after yesterday's decision in Kenosha, and know that protesters in our nation's capital are treated differently by political leaders depending on which side of the particular problem they face. Drastic differences in the treatment of protesters seasonally last spring and summer and the support given to protesters who acted illegally today shows a lot more work for us to do. "

"We have decided to play tonight's game to try to bring joy into people's lives. But we must not forget the injustices in today's society, and we will continue to use our voice and platform to highlight these issues and do everything we can to work. , for a more equal and just America. "

National Basketball Players Association executive director Michele Roberts told ESPN that there had not been any discussions with the NBA about postponing any of the 11 games scheduled for Wednesday or Thursday WIB.

However, Roberts expressed disappointment and frustration over the ongoing double standards in the superpower.

"Every player who contacted me - or who I contacted - saw a similar connection to a justified Blake shooting," said Roberts.

"We saw these people commit treason in the Capitol and I haven't heard a single shot being fired."

"On a day like this, the first thing that comes to my mind and all I can say is I am grateful to know that hopefully no one like me goes to Capitol Hill to fight this, because if you do, you will get a response. different from law enforcement. You know that - and I know that, "said Roberts.

The existence of racial sentiment and injustice was echoed by Philadelphia 76ers coach Doc Rivers.

"I'm going to say it because I don't think many people would want to, can you imagine today if they were all black people who stormed the Capitol and what would happen? ... No police dogs attacking people, no police batons ( billy clubs) that beat people. People are peacefully escorted out of the Capitol. So that shows that you can disperse the crowd peacefully, I think, will be the one. "

The reaction to the Capitol raid also took place at the Miami Bucks. The match was interrupted moments after the Detroit Pistons tipped off the hosts Milwaukee Bucks. All 10 players on the court stopped and fell to their knees after the edge of the opening ball.

In addition, many other athletes reacted to the Capitol tragedy on social media.

"What a disgrace what's happening in the US Capitol right now," Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love tweeted. "And an example of blatant injustice in how selective law enforcers deal with those involved."