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Portland Trail Blazers: Playoffs on hold as players stand against racism

Stevie Cozens|
PORTLAND, OREGON - FEBRUARY 06: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers prior to taking on the San Antonio Spurs at Moda Center on February 06, 2020 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - FEBRUARY 06: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers prior to taking on the San Antonio Spurs at Moda Center on February 06, 2020 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)

With the NBA playoffs on hold as players protest racism, Moe Harkless and other current Portland Trail Blazers have spoken on these issues in the USA.

This day in sport may be remembered forever. The Portland Trail Blazers game with the Los Angeles Lakers was called off after the Milwaukee Bucks and Orlando Magic game was also called off. With the terrible shooting of Jacob Blake by police in Wisconsin, NBA teams have refused to take the court.

NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski detailed a meeting between teams to discuss whether or not playoff games should go ahead. Damian Lillard and Carmelo Anthony were two of the players to speak, along with LeBron James, Chris Paul and LA Clippers Coach Doc Rivers.

Jacob Blake was shot seven times in the back by police during the week, prompting NBA players in and outside of the bubble to question the validity of playing these playoff games.

Ex Blazer Maurice Harkless shared a post on his social media about a time he was racially profiled when playing for the team.

The Blazers Twitter account also shared a post where they supported justice for Jacob Blake, also sharing a video with CJ McCollum speaking on precisely that issue after the most recent Blazer game.

It’s unclear right now if the playoffs are going to resume. Though fans may be disappointed by this, bigger things are going on in this world. Things that are bigger than sport.

If the players don’t see the NBA and the team owners trying to make meaningful changes to help impact change, then this season may well be over. Within 24 hours they should come to a decision, as the board of governors will decide on the season.

Stay safe everyone.