Historic player protests halt sports

Sports came to a halt for the second time in 2020 on Wednesday.

In March, the NBA awoke the world to the seriousness of the coronavirus pandemic. On Wednesday, Milwaukee Bucks players chose not to play Game 5 of their first-round series against the Orlando Magic, walking out in response to the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and in protest against racism and police brutality. Blake is paralyzed after being shot seven times in his back.

The NBA eventually postponed all postseason games through Friday, though the playoffs will continue Saturday. Other players and teams across the sports world chose to sit out, as well, leading to further postponements. Below's everything you need to know about this story.

Last update: Aug. 28 @ 11:30 p.m. ET (significant updates in bold)

NBA

• The playoffs will resume Saturday, Aug. 29 after three days of postponements, the league and NBPA announced. They also announced they've "agreed to immediately establish a social justice coalition, with representatives from players, coaches and governors, that will be focused on a broad range of issues, including increasing access to voting, promoting civic engagement, and advocating for meaningful police and criminal justice reform."
• Players reportedly decided in a Thursday morning meeting to continue the postseason, and Thursday's three games were postponed.
• Players met late into the night Wednesday to discuss options after Wednesday's walkout, with the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers voting to not resume the postseason.
• LeBron James reportedly had a change of heart Wednesday night, believing it's in the players' best interests to finish the season.
• On Friday, approximately 100 NBA employees based at the league's New York headquarters reportedly went on strike in solidarity with players, and said they'd spend the day calling elected officials demanding change.
• Referees marched at the Disney campus Thursday morning in solidarity with the players.

NHL

• The league released an updated postseason schedule Friday, with action slated to resume Saturday, Aug. 29.
• On Thursday, games were postponed through Friday at the request of the players.
• The Hockey Diversity Alliance called for a suspension of play Thursday: "We strongly feel this sends a clear message that human rights take priority over sports," Evander Kane tweeted.
• Playoff action (three games) went ahead as planned Wednesday, with the league issuing a statement reaffirming its commitment "to combat racial injustice and achieve a fair society for all," and wishing Jacob Blake well.
• The league drew heavy criticism from active players Kane and Matt Dumba, who said the onus isn't on the NHL's minority players to ensure issues in the game and in the larger society are being addressed.

MLB

• The Houston Astros and Oakland Athletics didn't play Friday, which MLB celebrated as Jackie Robinson Day. The clubs took the field in No. 42 jerseys and walked off after a 42-second moment of silence. A jersey from each side was left in the batter's box, and a Black Lives Matter T-shirt over home plate.
• Seven games were postponed Thursday as player protests continued.
• The New York Mets and Miami Marlins took the field for their game, but walked off after a 42-second moment of silence.
• Three Wednesday games were postponed due to walkouts.
• Black players Jason Heyward and Matt Kemp of the Chicago Cubs and Colorado Rockies, respectively, sat out Wednesday, with the former saying he encouraged his teammates to play.
• Dom Smith of the New York Mets kneeled during the U.S. national anthem Wednesday and was emotional postgame: "Being a Black man in America is not easy."

WNBA

• The league announced three makeup dates for six games postponed this week. Action resumed Friday.
• All WNBA players chose not to play Wednesday in response to the Blake shooting. The league officially postponed the three-game slate, along with Thursday's three-game slate.
• The entire WNBA bubble participated in a candlelight vigil Wednesday night.

NFL, NCAAF

• Several NFL and college teams called off practice Thursday and Friday, stating that the days will instead be used to "discuss and work toward making a lasting social impact and inspiring change in our communities."

MLS

• Five matches were postponed Wednesday after players walked out, with Orlando City SC and Nashville SC completing their game despite calls to join the protests.

Tennis

• Naomi Osaka announced her withdrawal from the Western & Southern Open, writing on Twitter: "Before I am (an) athlete, I am a Black woman. And as a Black woman, I feel as though there are much more important matters at hand that need immediate attention, rather than watching me play tennis."
• Osaka's withdrawal was rendered moot after the ATP and WTA announced late Wednesday that action on tour will be paused Thursday, as tennis takes a collective "stance against racial inequality and social injustice." Play - including Osaka's match - resumed Friday.