Roger Goodell, the NFL commissioner, acknowledged in a video message that the NFL was mistaken in not heeding the concerns of athletes protesting racism and police brutality directed at the black community in the United States.
Nevertheless, Goodell’s apology did not reference Colin Kaepernick, the San Francisco 49ers quarterback widely recognized for initiating the protest movement. Kaepernick gained attention when he opted to kneel during the national anthem at a 2016 preseason game as a form of protest.
The recent surge in demonstrations was triggered by the tragic death of George Floyd at the hands of the police. Floyd, a resident of Minneapolis, was fatally subdued by four officers, some of whom were subsequently charged with manslaughter and third-degree murder. Goodell expressed his sympathies for Floyd’s family and all those impacted by police brutality in his statement. He also stated his intention to personally communicate with players who have been vocal critics of the league’s handling of racism and police brutality issues.
“We, the National Football League, acknowledge that we erred in not attentively considering the voices of NFL players sooner and we encourage everyone to express their views and engage in peaceful protests. We, the National Football League, affirm that black lives matter,” he commented.
For more sports updates, visit here.
