The NBA made the decision to postpone all games Wednesday night after players around the league decided to boycott playing in protest against racial injustice.
Following the lead of the NBA, a handful of MLB teams also made the decision for games to be postponed.
Rockies outfielder Matt Kemp made his decision to sit out in protest after announcing on social media he would not be available for the scheduled game against the Arizona Diamondbacks Wednesday night in Arizona.
Tonight I stand with my fellow professional athletes in protest of the injustices my people continue to suffer. I could not play this game I love so much tonight knowing the hurt and anguish my people continue to… https://t.co/nxUt02S64v
— Matt Kemp (@TheRealMattKemp) August 26, 2020
Kemp wasn’t alone in voicing his opinion on the situation, with multiple Colorado athletes and public figures also speaking out:
What the guys did in the @NBA bubble was powerful. United while making a powerful statement. Encouraging a lot of people to keep fighting for what is right!!
— Justin Simmons (@jsimms1119) August 26, 2020
WE DEMAND JUSTICE!!!
— Jamal Murray (@BeMore27) August 26, 2020
Salute to those guys in the bubble @NBA That’s heavy…. Real Heavy
— Kareem Jackson (@ReemBoi25) August 26, 2020
It’s a difference between them hearing us and them listening! Time for sum to shake
— PJ Dozier (@Dozier_Kid) August 26, 2020
#JusticeForJacobBlake #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/JrXJEvtsbK
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) August 26, 2020
#Rockies Kyle Freeland: „I’m happy to see this communication that we’re having, within our community of athletes and in the entire United States. We need to continue to press forward with this issue and get things corrected in our country.”
— Patrick Saunders (@psaundersdp) August 27, 2020
I’m overwhelmed by the collective actions of the @NBA players to boycott playoff games to elevate the ongoing frustration and pain of African Americans, following yet another near deadly interaction between Police and a Black man named, #JacobBlake.
— Michael B. Hancock (@MayorHancock) August 26, 2020
Couldn’t be more proud right now. Our actions must meet our ambitions. Hoping this is the first of many attempts to achieve TRUE justice for all in this country!
#blacklivesmatter #rapids96
— Kortne Ford (@KortFord) August 27, 2020
We made a decision together as players and staffs to not play our game tonight because there’s more happening in our country to distract our minds to soccer. This is the first time I can agree to the saying “it’s just a game” #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/bdQs2ZXcKb
— KEI KAMARA (@keikamara) August 27, 2020
I am extremely proud to be a part of this group. We have listened, loved, and supported one another through this tough time. But I’m heartbroken for my brothers and teammates who fear for their lives and their families lives on a daily basis. This isn’t about baseball right now-
— Marco Gonzales (@MarcoGonzales_) August 27, 2020
Matt Kemp has decided to sit out tonight’s game to stand in solidarity with MLB players and other professional athletes in protest of social injustice. The Colorado Rockies fully support Matt’s decision.
— Colorado Rockies
(@Rockies) August 27, 2020
The match against @FCDallas tonight has been postponed. pic.twitter.com/CRWvOP8sSs
— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) August 27, 2020