BOSTON --- Doc Rivers delivered an impassioned plea for social justice and racial equality one night before NBA players protested league-wide and delayed the remainder of their postseason.
Rivers, the former Celtics coach who now guides the Clippers, called for reform within government and law enforcement following the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Wisconsin. His remarks were mocked in an internet video clip posted by The Hodgetwins, [...]
BOSTON --- Doc Rivers delivered an impassioned plea for social justice and racial equality one night before NBA players protested league-wide and delayed the remainder of their postseason.
Rivers, the former Celtics coach who now guides the Clippers, called for reform within government and law enforcement following the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Wisconsin. His remarks were mocked in an internet video clip posted by The Hodgetwins, who describe themselves as comedians based in Las Vegas.
Red Sox reliever Ryan Brasier retweeted the video post just hours after the club decided to forego its Thursday series finale with the Blue Jays. Boston’s players ultimately backed outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr., who told his teammates and coaching staff he would not be available that night. Bradley followed the lead of several fellow Black players throughout Major League Baseball and athletes in the NBA, WNBA and MLS.
Brasier ultimately deleted his tweet and sent a text message to Boston manager Ron Roenicke. He also made contact with Bradley and first-base coach Tom Goodwin. Several other retweets from Brasier remained posted on his account as of first pitch Friday night against the Nationals, including from President Donald Trump and the Republican National Convention.
"He explained he was watching TV – watching the convention – and he wasn’t really thinking about the timing of anything," Roenicke said. "He just tweeted out some things.
"From him to me, there was no malice about anything that was going on in anything he said. That’s something that I don’t want to speak too much for Ryan, but that’s something he relayed to me."
Bradley spoke at length about the ongoing protests in America following Wednesday’s 9-1 loss to Toronto. Brasier wasn’t available for comment Friday despite multiple requests from NBC Sports Boston. The Red Sox maintained they were united behind Bradley but were not unanimous in their decision to forego Thursday’s game.
"I see our players as incredible leaders from where I sit," Red Sox president and CEO Sam Kennedy said. "Taking strong stances. Supporting each other even when they may have different political views. I see an ownership group, a commissioner, a commissioner’s office focused on amplifying important messages and voices.
"We’re focused on the Boston Red Sox and where we sit. I’m proud of the players. I’m proud of the people in our front office. The work’s not done. It continues, and we’re going to keep pushing and striving to be better. I think that goes for all of us in the front office."
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