On May 25, 2020, Minneapolis resident George Floyd was killed by Derek Chauvin, a member of the Minneapolis police department. Floyd was restrained by Chauvin after having been suspected of forgery. Chavin extrajudicially kept his knee on Floyd’s neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds, killing him, even after Floyd said, “I can’t breathe.” Three other police officers (Tou Thao, J. Alexander Kueng, and Thomas K. Lane) watched, refusing to intervene.
Floyd’s death sparked worldwide protests against police brutality. The last week has seen protests in Minneapolis as well as Louisville, Chicago, New York City, Boston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Detroit, Omaha, and Columbus among many other cities. Protesters have been injured and killed, and journalists have been targeted by the police as well.
Naturally, players and managers were affected in various ways by the news and they have reacted to Floyd’s death and the ensuing protests. Here is just a smattering of what’s been said by those across the league.
Racism is engrained in our society/culture and the world seems incapable of change. To change the world we must begin with ourselves. Truly look in the mirror and identify if you’re part of the problem or the solution. Your true colors will always be revealed!
— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) May 30, 2020
Racism is thriving in America. That’s a fact. If you choose to turn a blind eye towards it...you’re part of the problem that will continue to destroy this nation. Wake up and look in the mirror!
— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) May 31, 2020
Enough is Enough. It’s going to take everyone to help this system change. No matter your color or attributes, We are all human, who know what’s right deep down. Making a real change will be Justice for Floyd & everyone who came before him. Let’s all be a part of the change🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/SERaY4K34X
— Giancarlo Stanton (@Giancarlo818) May 31, 2020
To my black friends, teammates, colleagues, and all affected by racism: I see you. I hear you. I stand beside you. pic.twitter.com/N44JgieZ9T
— Trevor Williams (@MeLlamoTrevor) May 30, 2020
Things have to change😞 pic.twitter.com/BiKeFty1FX
— Andrelton Simmons (@Andrelton) May 31, 2020
— Alex Bregman (@ABREG_1) May 29, 2020
I feel for #GeorgeFloyd. He should be alive. I dont want pity, I want change.
— Andrew McCutchen (@TheCUTCH22) May 27, 2020
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAvfX52hejf/
So, here's my message to my white brothers and sisters out there....please reach out to your friends who have a different skin color than you. Encourage them. Tell them you love them. Tell them they're awesome. It's important. Our voices and actions matter to help us recover
— Adam Wainwright (@UncleCharlie50) May 31, 2020
The quotes in Monte’s piece are on point, and the George Floyd murder is equal parts shameful and maddening. “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." https://t.co/zXP7JPvQG5
— gabe kapler (@gabekapler) May 28, 2020
I believe the word antiracist is important. I believe hearing the words from people who have experienced racism and its effects are important. And I believe action is important. https://t.co/bFwqr0eTfb
— gabe kapler (@gabekapler) May 29, 2020
.@ColorOfChange #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/CgMfsjoCOi
— Lucas Giolito (@LGio27) May 31, 2020
#BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/qmHK3Rhf7e
— Sean Doolittle (@whatwouldDOOdo) May 29, 2020
I wish America cared about black folks as much as they care about buildings
— Cole Tucker (@cotuck) May 29, 2020
Don’t worry what your friends or family will think. Don’t worry what clients you may lose or how you are viewed by other people. Take a stand and call it for what it is.. #GeorgeFloydWasMurdered in broad daylight. He couldn’t breathe.
— Taylor Trammell (@Taytram24) May 29, 2020
Kudos to these players and managers, as well as many others who have spoken out within the last week. No one should “stick to sports,” but especially not now. It is important for them to use their vast platforms to try and effect social change.