“The game’s introduction was a collective expression of protest and unity, with players wearing black T-shirts with “Black Lives Matter” etched in white across their chests. Arms interlocked along the entire length of the sideline, players and staff from both teams knelt on the court during the national anthem. This scene of sober solidarity in a sparsely populated gym of masked onlookers captured the two stories that have upended the nation — and the NBA.” Inside the first night of the NBA’s bold bubble experiment. The suspension of the NBA season was the moment when the pandemic got real for many Americans. Having it back is a milestone of sorts. Seeing players, coaches, and even refs kneel during the anthem is one more piece of evidence that big brands are moving in the opposite direction of the president. (A look at last night’s Twitter trends suggested people may have missed the game a bit…)

+ Sports inside an NBA-like bubble can work. Can they work outside of it? MLB calls off Cardinals-Brewers game due to positive coronavirus tests.

+ Meanwhile, football is getting underway. Bills send all rookies home from training camp after 5 positive COVID-19 tests.

+ ‘Unconscionable’: Bob Costas Rails Against Forcing a College Football Season Amid Pandemic When Players Aren’t Compensated.