Sources: NBA ready for impact of Chauvin verdict


The NBA has instructed teams to be vigilant about the impact of a potential verdict this week in the Derek Chauvin trial for the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, including the possibility of game postponements, sources told ESPN.

The looming specter of possible protests, civil unrest and team reactions in the aftermath of a verdict has the league office preparing for the prospect that a night or two of league games could be postponed this week, sources said.

Final arguments are expected Monday in the case against Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer who faces charges of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in Floyd’s death after he held his knee on Floyd’s neck for more than nine minutes in May 2020. Chauvin has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Minnesota Timberwolves and Brooklyn Nets postponed a game last week after the police shooting of an unarmed Black man, Daunte Wright, during a traffic stop in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, a suburb of Minneapolis.

The Timberwolves started a four-game, seven-day Western Conference road trip on Sunday in Los Angeles.

The NBA and WNBA postponed a full slate of playoff games after another unarmed Black man, Jacob Blake, was shot by police in Kenosha, Wisconsin, during the NBA’s restart in Orlando, Florida, in August 2020. The Milwaukee Bucks boycotted a playoff game against the Orlando Magic, triggering a full stoppage of league games for three days.

Got a story or tip for us? Email Sports Gossip editors at tips@sportsgossip.com 

Want More From Sports Gossip? 

For all the latest breaking Sports Gossip, be sure to follow SportsGossip.com on FacebookInstagram, and Twitter.

You can view the original article HERE.

A Bruja’s Guide to Navigating Eclipse Season
A Bruja’s Guide to Navigating Eclipse Season
Connecticut Killer Cannibal Victim’s Family Terrified After Release Announced
Connecticut Killer Cannibal Victim’s Family Terrified After Release Announced
Is Alex Cooper and Alix Earle’s friendship unwell? What we do — and don’t — know amid podcast network changes
Is Alex Cooper and Alix Earle’s friendship unwell? What we do — and don’t — know amid podcast network changes
Pacman Jones Slams White House Boycotts, ‘Are You F***ing Kidding Me?’
Pacman Jones Slams White House Boycotts, ‘Are You F***ing Kidding Me?’
The Oscars To Honor James Bond And Its Producers In Musical Tribute
The Oscars To Honor James Bond And Its Producers In Musical Tribute
A Salute to the Movies That Got Overlooked During Oscar Season | Features
A Salute to the Movies That Got Overlooked During Oscar Season | Features
Marvel Plans Yearly Release for ‘Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man’
Marvel Plans Yearly Release for ‘Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man’
‘Cape Fear’ Series Adds Patrick Wilson to Apple TV+ Show
‘Cape Fear’ Series Adds Patrick Wilson to Apple TV+ Show
Rebecca Black Delights & Thirst-Traps in ‘Salvation’ Music Video
Rebecca Black Delights & Thirst-Traps in ‘Salvation’ Music Video
Limp Bizkit, D-Block Europe, Heartworms and Nell Mescal lead huge line-up additions 
Limp Bizkit, D-Block Europe, Heartworms and Nell Mescal lead huge line-up additions 
Akon’s ‘Right Now (Na Na Na)’ surpasses one billion YouTube views
Akon’s ‘Right Now (Na Na Na)’ surpasses one billion YouTube views
“Fighting fund” Crowdfunder launched to save Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club
“Fighting fund” Crowdfunder launched to save Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club
Potential top pick Carter advised not to have foot surgery
Potential top pick Carter advised not to have foot surgery
Gene Hackman and Wife Betsy’s Full Final Autopsies Will Take Weeks
Gene Hackman and Wife Betsy’s Full Final Autopsies Will Take Weeks
Report: Titans grant Landry permission to seek trade
Report: Titans grant Landry permission to seek trade
Inside a Gambler’s Mind: What They See in Baccarat Games
Inside a Gambler’s Mind: What They See in Baccarat Games
‘Shrek 5’ Animation Style Claim Has Fans Crying “Ugly Sonic”
‘Shrek 5’ Animation Style Claim Has Fans Crying “Ugly Sonic”
‘Unforgiven’ and ‘French Connection’ Star Gene Hackman Dead with Wife and Dog at Home
‘Unforgiven’ and ‘French Connection’ Star Gene Hackman Dead with Wife and Dog at Home
It’s No Supernatural Revival, but The Boys Is Rounding Up Its Cast for a Sure-to-Be Super Reunion
It’s No Supernatural Revival, but The Boys Is Rounding Up Its Cast for a Sure-to-Be Super Reunion
Upcoming ‘Avatar the Last Airbender’ Releases, Explained
Upcoming ‘Avatar the Last Airbender’ Releases, Explained
Parker Posey For Gap, Fendi’s 100th Anniversary Show!
Parker Posey For Gap, Fendi’s 100th Anniversary Show!
NYFW STYLE DIARY: Sophie Habboo Merges London Rebellion with British Sophistication at New York Fashion Week
NYFW STYLE DIARY: Sophie Habboo Merges London Rebellion with British Sophistication at New York Fashion Week
Cuyana Easy Tote Review | PS Fashion
Cuyana Easy Tote Review | PS Fashion
Ciara Miller Is Ready For “Summer House”—And Summertime!
Ciara Miller Is Ready For “Summer House”—And Summertime!