Reports: NBA Players Considering Ending Season, Demand Immediate Change With Racial Injustices In America
BOSTON (CBS) -- On Wednesday, the NBA's players took a strong stance against racial injustice by boycotting games. That may just be the beginning.
According to reports, NBA players met on Wednesday night to discuss what they can do next to show their disgust for what happened with Jacob Blake in Wisconsin. And canceling the entire postseason is apparently on the table.
"Before a packed room of teams in a hotel ballroom at Disney, the discussion is centering on whether to continue with the playoffs -- or end the season," ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported. "So far, there seems to be momentum not to play the three playoff games on Thursday, but nothing's decided."
Game 1 of the conference semifinals between the Celtics and Raptors would be one of those Thursday games affected, if the day's games are indeed wiped off the slate.
"I'm so proud of our players that they have a voice and that voice is being heard," Celtics broadcaster and former Finals MVP Cedric Maxwell told WBZ.
Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix reported that the players are focused on tangible and immediate changes to be made.
"In meeting, players are demanding an action plan," Mannix tweeted. "They want to see something from NBA owners. Meeting has been led by Chris Paul and Andre Iguodala, though many other players are speaking. Players spoke passionately about voting and police reform, per sources. There's a sense from some that if owners don't come up with something that makes them believe staying will help move these important issues forward, this season is done."
Earlier on Wednesday evening, former President Barack Obama tweeted his support for players' boycotts and for Doc Rivers' postgame message from one night prior.
Celtics legend Bill Russell -- who received the Medal of Freedom from Obama in 2011 -- shared his support for the players' boycott, as well.
The Athletic's Shams Charania reported that the Lakers and Clippers voted to boycott the season, the only teams to do so.
By the end of the night, Jeff Goodman reported that there is some potential that games are played again, but nothing is settled as of yet.
It's obviously a very sensitive situation right now inside the NBA's bubble, and it's one that may end up sending all 12 teams home much earlier than expected.
Update: The season will not be canceled. The league hopes to resume play on Friday.
