As the United States sees protests continue from coast to coast in the wake of the death of George Floyd, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell added his voice to those who have already spoken out about the incident and the systemic issues underlying the anger of many in the African-American community.
Statement from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell: pic.twitter.com/Tsrde84mh4
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 30, 2020
The NFL family is greatly saddened by the tragic events across our country. The protesters’ reactions to these incidents reflect the pain, anger and frustration that so many of us feel.
Our deepest condolences go out to the family of Mr. George Floyd and to those who have lost loved ones, including the families of Ms. Breonna Taylor in Louisville, and Mr. Ahmaud Arbery, the cousin of Tracy Walker of the Detroit Lions.
As current events dramatically underscore, there remains much more to do as a country and as a league. These tragedies inform the NFL’s commitment and our ongoing efforts. There remains an urgent need for action. We recognize the power of our platform in communities and as part of the fabric of American society. We embrace that responsibility and are committed to continuing the important work to address these systemic issues together with our players, clubs and partners.
The statement references not only George Floyd, but also Breonna Taylor, who was shot to death in her home in Louisville, and Ahmaud Arbery, who was shot while out for a jog in Georgia. These three recent incidents, in addition to the countless others that have played out for the world to see, have raised the calls for reform and change in the United States.
As Goodell outlines in his statement, the NFL can play a critical role in moving this conversation forward and driving the necessary change and reform. Goodell states that the league “recognize[s] the power of our platform in communities and as a part of the fabric of American society. We embrace that responsibility and are committed to continuing the important work to address these systemic issues together with our players, clubs and partners.”
It remains to be seen what Goodell and the NFL will do going forward, especially given the current status of former quarterback Colin Kaepernick, whose act of taking a knee to draw attention to these systemic issues saw him ridiculed and eventually out of a job in the NFL. Goodell’s statement and these words are needed right now, but true action will be more important — and necessary — in the weeks and months ahead. The Commissioner is correct that he and the league have a huge platform at their disposal, but actions speak louder than words.