Toronto Raptors, Boston Celtics Speak Up Regarding Boycotts Across The Country

The Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics have discussed the possibility of not playing their upcoming playoff games in the second round of the NBA playoffs.

This is a result of the Milwaukee Bucks protesting the tragic shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

“It’s an active discussion. People are upset, angry and we’re just trying to come together to figure out how we can do something,” All-Star Jayson Tatum said by way of Sports Illustrated.

The 22-year-old has become the Celtics’ frontman but he is also a vocal leader in terms of these current events.

“Obviously if we sit out a game or the rest of the playoffs, we understand how big of an impact that would have. Everyone is going to have to talk about it … we don’t want to just keep playing and forget about what is happening on the outside world,” Tatum added.

Reigning as the most improved player of the year, Pascal Siakam further emphasized this sentiment.

“We came here for a reason, to use our platform and wanting to send a message and hopefully bring awareness and make a change,” said Siakam.

The Raptors have cruised their way to the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the playoffs with a 4-0 sweep of the Brooklyn Nets in the opening round.

“But it feels like we’re stuck. We’re not doing anything productive … these things hurt. I don’t care where you’re from,” Siakam added.

The frustration of the players is evident, as they want to emphasize the social injustices that have been happening across the country. Players have expressed their anger over the situation and want to use their platform to send a message regarding this issue. The Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers have also been vocal about the situation, as they’ve expressed the option to boycott the remainder of the season, per Shams Charania.

“How many points we score, how many games we win, that sh—doesn’t matter right now,” Tatum stressed.

The young star continued by highlighting the importance of the influence that he can bring by speaking up.

“Being a black man in America is more important than what I’m doing on a basketball court. Using my platform, my voice, to help create conversations and change is more important than anything I could do out there. You think about a man being shot in his back seven times, his kids in the car, that’s way more important than anything I could do out there,” Tatum concluded.

Other teams and athletes across the country have also followed the act of protesting as seen in three MLB games postponing their scheduled matchups. To add to these, Naomi Osaka withdrew out of her Western & Southern Open semifinal to protest the injustices happening.