New York Fans React To Historic Sports Boycott: 'They Got The Biggest Platform, So Why Not?'
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Professional athletes are taking a stand against social injustice following the shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wis.
The NBA playoffs were put on hold Wednesday before the players voted to resume the season, while athletes in the Tri-State Area also stood in solidarity, CBS2's John Dias reported.
The NHL decided to postpone Thursday night's games and multiple Major League Baseball games have been called off.
Teams and leagues nationwide have been dealing with how to properly handle the protests.
Some leagues have postponed all games, but baseball is allowing each team to make that decision.
RELATED STORY: Mets, Marlins Walk Off Field In Social Injustice Protest
The New York Mets' approach Thursday night was unique.
The Mets and Miami Marlins ran on the field as scheduled, but instead of playing, they held a 42-second moment of silence on the eve of Jackie Robinson Day.
Then both teams walked off the field as the game was called, but not before leaving one memorable statement -- draping a Black Lives Matter t-shirt across home plate.
"This is way bigger than baseball. This is life," Mets first baseman Dominic Smith said.
RELATED STORY: NHL Postpones Thursday Night's Playoffs Games, Including Islanders-Flyers Game 3
The USTA paused their events. Major League Soccer and the WNBA canceled games, too.
Some WNBA players wore shirts with Blake's name on them and seven bullet holes painted on their backs.
"This isn't just about basketball. We aren't just basketball players. And just because we are basketball players doesn't mean that's our only platform. We need to understand that when most of us go home, we still are Black, in the sense that our families matter," said Ariel Atkins, of the Washington Mystics.
It's a boycott for the sports history books.
When NBA players agreed to go to the Orlando bubble, it wasn't just to restart the season; they wanted social reform.
"We are scared as Black people in America. Black men, Black women, Black kids. We are terrified," LeBron James said.
Three hours after the Milwaukee Bucks were supposed to play in the NBA playoffs Wednesday, the players exited the locker room unified, declaring they would not play to show their support for Blake.
"Despite the overwhelming pleas for change, there has been no action. So, our focus today cannot be on basketball," said a statement read by the players.
MORE: Multiple Professional Sports Teams Boycott Games In Protest Of Jacob Blake Shooting
The league released a statement saying it is hopeful to resume playing Friday or Saturday.
Fans in the Tri-State Area are praising the players.
"They are Black men. A lot of them are fathers, sons. It makes sense for them to do it. It's unfortunate that it took this long. They should have did it a long time ago with Colin Kaepernick," said Javi Osei, of Bayonne, N.J.
Though the Knicks and Nets seasons are over, both teams stood in solidarity, as well.
The Nets tweeted:
"I'm a Brooklyn native. So, I was really proud of them," said Tyrese Bennett, an avid Nets fan. "I feel like somebody gotta take a stand. They got the biggest platform, so why not?"
RELATED STORY: Protesters Gather In New York Over Wisconsin Police-Involved Shooting Of Jacob Blake: 'It's The Same Old Thing All Over Again'
But, critics say the players should stick to sports.
"Everybody's got a right to open their mouth. But, maybe not on the playing field," one person told CBS2.
Watch John Dias' Report Here:
It's an unprecedented boycott with ripple effects.
Naomi Osaka withdrew from a tennis tournament in protest, just days before the US Open.
MORE: Naomi Osaka Withdraws In Protest Over Jacob Blake Shooting, Tournament On Hold
Fourteen MLB games were postponed Wednesday, too.
Mets first baseman Dominic Smith took a knee during the national anthem to show his support, and gave an emotional interview after Wednesday's game.
"I think the most difficult part is to see, people still don't care... For this to continuously happen, it just shows the hate in people's heart," said Smith.
Though some of Smith's teammates said they won't kneel, they said they sympathize and are trying to listen and learn.
"I probably won't. Just my personal decision to stand for the national anthem. That's what I've always done, but I will be there with him and he knows that I support him," said outfielder Michael Conforto.
The Jets were one of six NFL teams that canceled practice Thursday.
"This is definitely something that I don't want, and a lot of my brothers in the locker room don't want, swept under the rug. This is not a one day topic. Or when it happens, we get to talk about it. This is something real in our community that we're dealing with. I'll be dealing with for the rest of my life. My kids are going to deal with it," said safety Bradley McDougald.
The Giants practiced Thursday after holding a 45 minute minute discussion on social injustice. Running back Saquan Barkley said the team has not ruled out the possibility of boycotting a game.
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