Packers, Jets, Bears, Colts among NFL teams canceling practice to protest Jacob Blake shooting

The Eagles were among the NFL teams holding meetings Thursday to discuss how they’ll respond to the Jacob Blake shooting. While the Eagles’ practice was going as scheduled, the Washington Football Team, Indianapolis Colts and New York Jets canceled their morning practices.

A move to boycott and cancel events started with the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday, when they decided not to take the court for Game 5 of their playoff series against the Orlando Magic. All NBA and WNBA games were postponed Wednesday, as teams and high-profile athletes in baseball, soccer and tennis decided not to play.

Washington canceled its NFL practice Wednesday night, and the Colts and Jets made their decisions Thursday morning.

“Friday we can return to football. But [Thursday] will be about reflection instead,” Washington head coach Ron Rivera said in a statement Wednesday night. “In place of our practice at FedExField, the players, coaches and football staff will meet as a football family and we will continue our open dialogue on the issues of racism and social injustice in our country.”

Blake, a 29-year-old Black man, was shot seven times in the back by police Sunday in Kenosha, Wis., 40 miles south of Milwaukee. The Bucks and Brewers boycotted their games Wednesday, and the Green Bay Packers have canceled their practice.

The Chicago Bears were scheduled to practice at 9:20 a.m., but canceled shortly before the start time. The Arizona Cardinals and Tennessee Titans joined them hours later.

Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury met with the media shortly after the team’s decision. The Cardinals will return to practice Friday.

“Whether it’s on social media using the platform they have or if it’s going to register to vote or trying to get other people set up to register to vote, we just wanted to let them know this is their day,” Kingsbury said. “I felt like it was important to our organization. I know (owner) Michael (Bidwill) felt strongly the same way.”

Kingsbury also spoke about his conversation with his father on the topic of kneeling. His father was a Marine and former football coach.

“I think my biggest takeaway from talking to my dad was kneeling doesn’t reflect a lack of patriotism or respect for the military in any way, just like standing during the anthem doesn’t mean you’re okay with racism or social injustice,” Kingsbury said.

Seven of the NFL’s 32 teams have canceled practice today, and more could come.

The New Orleans Saints are among the teams still practicing, but that isn’t stopping them from communicating their message. Cornerback Janoris Jenkins taped Blake’s name on his practice helmet. Eagles safety Rodney McLeod commented on the post with a fist emoji.

The Lions were the first NFL team to cancel practice on Tuesday when they stood outside the training facility with signs stating, “We Won’t Be Silent” and “The World Can’t Go On.”

San Jose Sharks forward Evander Kane is the co-head of the Hockey Diversity Alliance, an organization committed to making hockey a more inclusive sport for minorities and eradicating systemic racism in hockey.

The HDA is now demanding action in the NHL. While MLB, the WNBA and NBA each had cancellations on Wednesday, all hockey games went on as scheduled.

Akim Aliu, Trevor Daley, Anthony Duclair, Matt Dumba and Nazem Kadri represent some of the former and current NHL players in the organization. Chris Stewart, who played in 16 games with the Flyers this season, is also a member.

The two scheduled playoff games on today are Flyers-Islanders and Golden Knights-Canucks.