The Seattle Mariners were scheduled to play a game against the San Diego Padres in a matter of hours. But after the Milwaukee Bucks of the NBA chose to sit out of Game 5 of their playoff series and the Brewers chose to do the same, Seattle (who has more Black players on its roster than any team in baseball) chose to do the same.
Now, I could sit here and write 2000 words on what this means for the team or the league. Whether or not I agree with their decision, or whether or not it is the most impactful way to stage their protest. But we don’t actually need 2000 words to take a stance on this. I 100%, and totally unapologetically, stand with the Seattle Mariners players and coaching staff who reached this decision.
You have the right to disagree with us. That is your prerogative. I just hope that if you do, the show the same courage the players are and put your name to your stance, rather than hide behind a username on Twitter or YouTube. If you feel strongly about something, you sign your name to it.
So in that spirit, allow me to practice what I preach: my name is Colby Patnode and I believe Black Lives Matter.
