2020 NBA Playoffs Round 1 Game 5- Orlando Magic vs Milwaukee Bucks (3-1) 4:00 pm EST on NBA TV and Fox Sports FL

[Bakomagic]

Read on Twitter

What does this even mean ?

[SOUL]

Well said here my dude.

Thanks! I don't know how to express it though.. it's hard to put a lot into words given the climate of today. I know my personal political views are different from yours and others (I think Trump sucks and is a ****, divisive person that gets some policies done with brute force and I think Biden is old, has creepy tendencies (well they both do), and is out of touch with America (as are most of our older politicians), so nothing seems very appealing about the future to me.

I think the issue is though, and we have to get used to it, politics are now ingrained in everything like it or not. Sports/TV/etc used to be a haven for people to "get away" from issues that are stressing them out or if they just don't want to be blasted with bad news all day. Now everything is connected, news comes at us within seconds of it happening, and everybody is accessible to you.

However, especially for the NBA which is majority African-American, these issues are more of a directly identifiable problem in a country that up until the 60s, had huge race issues plaguing it on a daily basis. And even though things got better, stuff will never just "go away". I'm sure being in a bubble during a historic pandemic feels weird regardless of their privilege of being able to stay safe and be away from everything while making money. They're humans at their core.

But I still don't think it should be a left or right thing and it will take both sides to see actionable change regarding human rights or racial issues. I don't think conservatives who aren't legit right-wing white extremists WANT to see black people gunned down or are "racists", nor do I think anybody who is liberal should be labeled Antifa/Marxist because they want certain changes. I think asking someone like Isaac who is black and has probably dealt with racism in his life before if "Black Lives Matter" is the dumbest thing ever, but it's human nature to box ourselves into corners and dismiss things purely on people's stances on specific issues.

I personally want to see a lot of positive change in the country but it's not coming from anybody soon. I think we're a stale, uninspired country that hates each other, is stubborn and blind on many issues ,and we're too prideful to make certain things better for the American people as a collective because of it. I'm trying to compare us to an NBA team that has a bright future that can't get their **** together.

[RookieStar]

This is a forum about sports, specifically basketball. It's not about social movements it's about the love of the sport.

Apparently I can't go anywhere to escape the social narratives being spun.

Can't watch basketball.

Can't watch the news.

Can't even go on the internet.

It's everywhere and as much as I want to support the idea of all lives mattering and true equality and justice, maybe putting a guy who had a warrant for sexual crimes up on a pedestal and use that as a jumping off point for social reforms is not the right take.

But what do I know.

Well if you want some laughs, I myself go to 9gag and what memes to forget about the ish-storm the world has become.

[MagicHolland]

As much as I wish for everyone that we could all some day see eachother as human beings instead of black, white, yellow or blue.. I think a stronger statement could’ve been made by playing.

Again, I hope one day skin color just does not matter at all. Just be a good human being and respect eachother.

I can’t wait for the world to return to somewhat sane again. 2020 has been a disaster. Take care guys, all of you! Peace, from the Netherlands!

[FFBlitzace]

I love how people call NBA players as privileged, as if that’s an excuse not to exercise empathy with those less fortunate and who aren’t privileged.

It’s like saying “hey, it doesn’t directly affect YOU, so you shouldn’t give a %#*! about it! Hey you’re rich, and not poor, why should you donate to those less fortunate? You’re not homeless, why volunteer at a homeless shelter?”

This is exactly what’s wrong with our country. People should be able to stand up for others because they empathize with them. Who cares what the status of those people are?

I'm white and I'm a man, so by some people's rules, that means I'm so privileged that my opinion does not count and literally COULD NOT count, because it's impossible for me to relate to any kind of struggle. But yet, NBA players, some of the most privileged people on the planet, don't get hit with that same penalty? I work full time for a modest living and my opinion is invalid due to privilege, but millionaires who have been recruited since as young as middle school age somehow pass some kind of privilege test which allows them to be taken seriously but not me. Give me a break.

There's a natural tendency to suspect actual highly privileged people of being disingenuous. When these rich kids want to get up here and grandstand, forgive me for rolling my eyes. I'm supposed to praise them for...what, taking a day off and pretending it's a world-changing gesture that will save all POC from the orange man? The kneeling was already a hollow gesture since it costs them nothing and they're doing jack s*** off the court to show that they actually care. But at least they stepped onto the court and played the game after the anthem was over. But now they're not even doing that. Screw these guys, seriously. I'm not saying I'm done with the NBA, because that would be a lie. Like everyone who said they'd move to Canada if Trump won. They didn't move 4 years ago and they won't do it now if he wins again. No, I'll keep watching, because unfortunately basketball is my passion and I can't just make it not a passion. But still, screw these guys.

[MagicHolland]

Read on Twitter

What does this even mean ?

It means that the Magic won’t accept this as a win. Not sure what the NBA stance is on this matter.

[RookieStar]

I love how people call NBA players as privileged, as if that’s an excuse not to exercise empathy with those less fortunate and who aren’t privileged.

It’s like saying “hey, it doesn’t directly affect YOU, so you shouldn’t give a %#*! about it! Hey you’re rich, and not poor, why should you donate to those less fortunate? You’re not homeless, why volunteer at a homeless shelter?”

This is exactly what’s wrong with our country. People should be able to stand up for others because they empathize with them. Who cares what the status of those people are?

I'm white and I'm a man, so by some people's rules, that means I'm so privileged that my opinion does not count and literally COULD NOT count, because it's impossible for me to relate to any kind of struggle. But yet, NBA players, some of the most privileged people on the planet, don't get hit with that same penalty? I work full time for a modest living and my opinion is invalid due to privilege, but millionaires who have been recruited since as young as middle school age somehow pass some kind of privilege test which allows them to be taken seriously but not me. Give me a break.

There's a natural tendency to suspect actual highly privileged people of being disingenuous. When these rich kids want to get up here and grandstand, forgive me for rolling my eyes. I'm supposed to praise them for...what, taking a day off and pretending it's a world-changing gesture that will save all POC from the orange man? The kneeling was already a hollow gesture since it costs them nothing and they're doing jack s*** off the court to show that they actually care. But at least they stepped onto the court and played the game after the anthem was over. But now they're not even doing that. Screw these guys, seriously. I'm not saying I'm done with the NBA, because that would be a lie. Like everyone who said they'd move to Canada if Trump won. They didn't move 4 years ago and they won't do it now if he wins again. No, I'll keep watching, because unfortunately basketball is my passion and I can't just make it not a passion. But still, screw these guys.

Same here with me Blitz. They are privileged because they can do their protest/breaking bubble for chicken-wing/etc and still not get hit like we would be if we boycott our work.

Why don't they do what Maya Moore did and quit/retire and be a social active whatever. Forego and donate all earnings you made to a good cause or foundation. Live like us 9-5ers then I will eat my words and say they are not privileged.

[Furinkazan]

If NBA plays even one more game..... Ever
its disrespectfull to the movement
Ty and good day/night.
You wanted politics in sports You got it.

[GabrielKills]

The NBA invited this madness and now look there is no game. The players blew off the PLAYOFFS for god’s sake!

[Bensational]

This board along with the rest of the country has gone super soft. Some of you are congratulating the organization for refusing to play. This is the kind of attitude that will be the end of professional sports as we know it.

Players should play the game. Even if their feelings are hurt. This is still a business that sells a product. That is why they get paid millions of dollars.

I know I am going to get flamed in here I don’t care. Disagreeing with me so you can feel like a good person if you want to, but tolerating this type of behavior is BAD BUSINESS for the NBA. The league will be weaker for this, that is a fact.

No flaming from me, I'm with you on this. The virtue signaling has gone too far.

Standing up for justice is soft? Being upset that a basketball game was cancelled is soft.

America is a mess right now, politically more than ever, and we all know money talks in politics. These players have money and a platform and they're putting it to use unlike most large corps.

[FFBlitzace]

I'm not upset that a basketball game was canceled. If the game was canceled and postponed because of technical difficulties within the bubble, so be it. Play it tomorrow, no big deal. It's not the temporary lack of a game to agonize over tonight that has me annoyed.

[GabrielKills]

This board along with the rest of the country has gone super soft. Some of you are congratulating the organization for refusing to play. This is the kind of attitude that will be the end of professional sports as we know it.

Players should play the game. Even if their feelings are hurt. This is still a business that sells a product. That is why they get paid millions of dollars.

I know I am going to get flamed in here I don’t care. Disagreeing with me so you can feel like a good person if you want to, but tolerating this type of behavior is BAD BUSINESS for the NBA. The league will be weaker for this, that is a fact.

No flaming from me, I'm with you on this. The virtue signaling has gone too far.

Standing up for justice is soft? Being upset that a basketball game was cancelled is soft.

America is a mess right now, politically more than ever, and we all know money talks in politics. These players have money and a platform and they're putting it to use unlike most large corps.

Just what is gained by not having basketball today?
Did they raise awareness? Nobody could possible be made more aware.
Is this going to help bring the accused to justice? Nope. Unless one of the Milwaukee Buck’s joins the public sector as a prosecutor then no.
Is this going to heal the racial divide in this country? Nope. The media will use this to fan the flames, and lead into more imagery of violence and civil unrest. If it bleeds, it leads.

[Statlanta]

Say what you want.

The Clippers didn't boycott when Sterling had comments which directly affected them.
Yet the players let this incident outside the league make them affect the playoffs.

[Rainwater]

No flaming from me, I'm with you on this. The virtue signaling has gone too far.

Standing up for justice is soft? Being upset that a basketball game was cancelled is soft.

America is a mess right now, politically more than ever, and we all know money talks in politics. These players have money and a platform and they're putting it to use unlike most large corps.

Just what is gained by not having basketball today?
Did they raise awareness? Nobody could possible be made more aware.
Is this going to help bring the accused to justice? Nope. Unless one of the Milwaukee Buck’s joins the public sector as a prosecutor then no.
Is this going to heal the racial divide in this country? Nope. The media will use this to fan the flames, and lead into more imagery of violence and civil unrest. If it bleeds, it leads.

This could force owners use their influence and connections to get politicians to act and create laws. They are losing money.

[Bensational]

No flaming from me, I'm with you on this. The virtue signaling has gone too far.

Standing up for justice is soft? Being upset that a basketball game was cancelled is soft.

America is a mess right now, politically more than ever, and we all know money talks in politics. These players have money and a platform and they're putting it to use unlike most large corps.

Just what is gained by not having basketball today?
Did they raise awareness? Nobody could possible be made more aware.
Is this going to help bring the accused to justice? Nope. Unless one of the Milwaukee Buck’s joins the public sector as a prosecutor then no.
Is this going to heal the racial divide in this country? Nope. The media will use this to fan the flames, and lead into more imagery of violence and civil unrest. If it bleeds, it leads.

No solution will be an instant panacea. Did it raise awareness? Hell yes it did. It raised the awareness that there is a side of population demanding justice, who have the money and power to disrupt the lives of others if need be. When population control is objective #1 in politics, that's the equivalent of having an army lay down their weapons. So it has raised the awareness that influential members of society won't be mindlessly used as pawns to distract the rest of the public from acknowledging the injustices within their own walls.

Will it help bring the accused to justice? We will just have to wait and see. This move, specifically, may not be the tipping point, but it could add to it.

Will it heal the racial divide? No, because that's something that will take generations to overcome - but it's one of the many important steps that need to be made towards that goal.

[Rainwater]

Say what you want.

The Clippers didn't boycott when Sterling had comments which directly affected them.
Yet the players let this incident outside the league make them affect the playoffs.

Clippers did demonstrate. But action was going to happen in regards to Sterling but nothing is happening in regards to the unarmed killing of black men. Different situation.

[GabrielKills]

Bensational you are right. We should cancel all of sports until the world is rid of all inequality to include any and all perceived inequality by anyone.

I can bet you that this will 100% not happen in the NFL, and not because anybody feels any different about social issues. Only because it’s just overall a better run business/league.

[fklt]

a performance for your ententainment is cancelled because actors playing it have bigger **** going on in their lives.

and there are grown men unable to cope with this fact calling other people "soft". geez, how much self awareness you can lack.

[PrimeThyme]

I'm pretty torn on everything. To preface, I try as hard as I can to stay away from either party's talking points. I find it too easy to get caught up in groupthink and prefer to view everything with as little bias as possible, and therefore, don't consider myself republican nor liberal.

On one end, I completely support the NBA's and the player's rights to support movements like BLM's and also to bring awareness to social justice issues simply because it is in their right to do so. While it's also something I think that people desperately need to be made aware of, that has no bearings on whether the players or NBA should be allowed to do it.

However, my problem with the NBA has everything to do with how the Hong Kong situation was handled earlier in the year. If they are going to be advocators for social justice, they need to advocate for it across the board. Not just when it is considered safe to do so but even when it can come at the risk of losing a large part of the Chinese market because that's how real change happens.

That's why all of this comes off so damn disingenuous and hypocritical from the NBA's standpoint. Even someone like Lebron who I always admired for taking stances on social justice issues looks disingenuous with his comments on the Hong Kong situation as well.

[FFBlitzace]

a performance for your ententainment is cancelled because actors playing it have bigger **** going on in their lives.

and there are grown men unable to cope with this fact calling other people "soft". geez, how much self awareness you can lack.

"Their lives."

So what's going on in their lives? Has the fishing pond at the bubble run dry? It can't be that shooting in Wisconsin, because that event was as far removed from their lives as it was from mine.