The Toronto Raptors are reported to be one of the multiple teams in the NBA bubble discussing leaving the playoffs in protest of the police shooting of Jacob Blake. As reported by Sports Illustrated Senior Writer Chris Mannix, the Raptors are having the discussions following the protest by the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday, refusing to play their Game 5 against the Orlando Magic.
Question is no longer if players are prepared to boycott one game — that’s happened. It’s how many they will. There have been discussions amongst several teams, notably Toronto, about going home.
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) August 26, 2020
The Raptors are the reigning NBA champions and the second-seeded team in the Eastern Conference. If the Raptors do end up leaving the Playoffs, the move would be unprecedented in the history of professional basketball.
The NBA Playoff games are all postponed for at least Wednesday night, but it is unknown currently the extent to which the protests will reach. The Raptors had already reportedly discussed boycotting the opening game of their second-round series against the Boston Celtics, as players are seeking to use their platforms as a means of social change following incidents of racial injustice and police brutality.
