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(Editor’s Note: We usually have a firm “no politics” rule in the comments section. We are going to ease this rule up but only because this article itself has politics involved. If this becomes partisan mudslinging or just trashing specific politicians — whether warranted or not — then that’s a no-go.)
Last week’s killing of George Floyd by (the since fired and criminally charged) Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin has sparked ongoing calls for justice, protests, rioting, vandalism, and looting across the United States. This particular death has led to international outcry and demonsrations, as yet another unarmed black man has succumbed to police brutality, and once again it’s on video for the world to see.
Over the past few days, several former and current Seattle Seahawks players have released statements or voiced their opinions on camera regarding everything from racism, racial injustice, police brutality, rebuking statements made by President Trump, and of course the protests. In the case of Bobby Wagner, he was actually at the Seattle protests on Saturday and had some more to say in Monday’s video press conference.
Russell Wilson
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) June 1, 2020
Duane Brown
So the men that KILLED George Floyd aren’t considered THUGS....I see. And you can’t wait to shoot and kill someone taking a material object out of anger of injustice...but there’s still “lack of evidence” to even arrest someone that ON CAMERA wrongly took a life? ...I see https://t.co/ChXePO6dxJ
— Duane Brown (@DuaneBrown76) May 29, 2020
Tyler Lockett
I don’t feel free in the land of the free
— Tyler Lockett (@TDLockett12) May 29, 2020
If you are white and want to learn a little about what we as blacks have gone through. Take some time to watch
— Tyler Lockett (@TDLockett12) June 1, 2020
Detroit -on Hulu
When they see us - Netflix
13th- Netflix
Just Mercy-
Feel free to add more movies so people can see. There’s a lot. But try to start somewhere
Bobby Wagner
Bobby Wagner began a video press conference today with a plea to shift the focus away from rioters/looters and back to the reason behind the protests: “We’re tired of seeing black people getting killed.” Wagner said he was at Saturday’s protest in downtown Seattle. pic.twitter.com/lOIDWF3gda
— Brady Henderson (@BradyHenderson) June 1, 2020
Bobby Wagner says Seahawks team meeting today led by Pete Carroll did not talk about football but instead featured a conversation in which players were allowed to speak about their emotions and feelings. Said it was helpful to have that platform provided by the team and Carroll.
— Bob Condotta (@bcondotta) June 1, 2020
Quandre Diggs
It was all good until I spoke up for my culture.. I’ve been told yall my life has always been bigger than football! If i let this game define who i am i’ve failed in life my momma always told me that! pic.twitter.com/rbo4laRecs
— Nino (@qdiggs6) May 30, 2020
DK Metcalf
All. Here. Now. #BlackLivesMatter #ThroughThisTogether pic.twitter.com/sRC47Z5neM
— DK Metcalf (@dkm14) May 31, 2020
Jamarco Jones
Yall crazy as hell if you think people care about some burning buildings when the peaceful protest ends like this. These are people who signed up to serve and protect yet we’re the animals get the fuck out of here https://t.co/3ELyKWFRNy
— Jamarco Jones (@jjones_74) May 31, 2020
Bruce Irvin
— Bruce Irvin (@BIrvin_WVU11) May 29, 2020
City of Atlanta we gotta do better this shit is sad! Destroying all of these businesses for what?!
— Bruce Irvin (@BIrvin_WVU11) May 30, 2020
Doug Baldwin
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Richard Sherman
My profession nor my education change the fact that I’m a black man in America and to that end I will continue to fight for equality for the ppl that are treated unjust in the country. And if that offends you or makes you uncomfortable then maybe we are starting to make progress
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) May 31, 2020
On Monday, the Seattle Seahawks released a statement addressing not just Floyd’s death, but the Louisville police fatally shooting of Breonna Taylor, as well as the filmed murder of unarmed black jogger Ahmaud Arbery by two white men in Georgia, who suspected him of burglary in their neighborhood. They also announced a donation of $500,000 from the Seahawks Players Equality & Justice for All Action Fund.
The full statement is as follows:
The Seahawks family is dismayed by the unacceptable act of violence that occurred against George Floyd last week in Minneapolis and grieve that loss, along with countless others in a similar manner, including most recently Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery. Our heartfelt condolences are extended to their families, and every other family that has had to endure the pain from similar atrocities. These biased actions are systemic and have plagued our society for generations and have culminated to the current state of unrest we are experiencing.
The Seahawks are guided by overall principles of acceptance and understanding that help us create a culture of respect, equality and inclusiveness both on and off the field. We, as an organization and as individuals, represent and respect a wide range of human differences, personal experiences and cultural backgrounds. We stand with Seattle, and every community in uniting to help heal our society and overcome the hurt, anger and frustration through peaceful protests and acts of togetherness. With that, to further aid in the solution the Seahawks players will begin the process of determining recipients for grants from the Seahawks Players Equality & Justice for All Action Fund in the amount of $500k. We hope to advance conversations related to reformation in our nation’s current policies regarding hiring and training within law enforcement, judiciary protections and accountability, and for advanced education related to the history of race in America.
Please be safe everyone, no matter where you are in the world right now, but especially to those who live throughout the United States as we now have the convergence of large-scale civil unrest and the COVID-19 pandemic.