The push against racism and policy brutality has continued in cities across America this week, with millions across the country protesting and voicing the need for systemic change in order to create a better future for the black community. Among them are athletes, actors/actresses and plenty of other prominent figures — all ready to seize the moment to facilitate a long-overdue change.
Miami Dolphins safety Kavon Frazier was among those who protested in Frisco, Texas earlier this week — and he took to social media to voice his pride of his community for banding together to make their voices heard in a “safe, non-violent, and purposeful” way.
Proud of Frisco. Thousands of ppl came out today to protest. Safe, non-violent, and purposeful. They probably won’t show that in the media but I was proud to be apart of it. Let’s keep working towards change.
— Kavon Frazier (@Kay_BlackSimba) June 2, 2020
But not every demonstration across the country is able to operate without incident — and tensions between law enforcement and protesters have spiked more times than you can count; further fanning the flames of conflict.
Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores, the first NFL head coach to issue a strong statement regarding the Black Lives Matter movement and equality for the black community in the aftermath of the George Floyd slaying, was asked on Thursday about his players voicing their anger regarding the state of racial affairs and police brutality — and despite having another heartbreaking story to share, he still offered his players his support.
“My number one thing for guys is they have a right to protest and I support their right to protest, but even more than that, it’s about being careful. I want my players to be careful. I actually had a friend who was murdered in Indianapolis. His name was Chris Beaty – a good friend. He actually played football with (Assistant to the Head Coach) Lance Bennett, who is on our staff. He was full of life. He was a great human being and he was protesting in Indianapolis and he was murdered last weekend,” said Flores.
“I guess to me, that was the first thing that kind of came to mind when Kavon was protesting. I’ve had a lot of conversations with players over the last few days and I support these guys. I understand the emotions that they’re going through; but at the same time, I want them to be smart. I care about each one of these guys. I had a situation hit home pretty closely for me, so there’s some fear on my end, to be honest with you, but I might as well take this time to send condolences to Beaty’s family, his friends in Indianapolis. I mean, this guy was just an incredible human being and it’s sad. It’s just another tragedy that we’re dealing with. Hopefully we can learn from it and again, make the necessary changes so that these things don’t happen again.”
Flores’ words will undoubtedly endear him even more to his players, although that’s the last motivation he could possibly have to offer concern and support. Flores, ever since stepping foot into Miami’s building, has proven himself as a true leader — this is just the latest example. And this may be the greatest impact he provides to his players, who are people first and football players second.