In wake of the murdering of George Floyd which was a result of police brutality, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and several NFL teams have released statements to call out racial inequality and send their condolences to the Floyd family. However, it has led to a lot of backlash due to the league’s history with peaceful protesting.
Fans and players have called out the league as a result and among them was former Jags defensive back Peyton Thompson, who revealed that Doug Marrone and former front office leader Tom Coughlin told players they couldn’t kneel in 2017 during the international series. That seemingly prompted Marrone to reach out to his former player, who was visibly upset about it, and talk things over.
The @NFL along with all organizations continue to to release statements full of fluff. Who will start keeping it real and find a solution? pic.twitter.com/Lghj1gLIHd
— Peyton Thompson (@tattedNspatted) June 2, 2020
In the end, there were both players who knelt and some who stood in 2017’s game against the Baltimore Ravens in London, but all linked arms including owner Shad Khan to show solidarity. Later, Khan revealed to Sports Illustrated that he wouldn’t personally kneel but would not ostracize those who wanted to because America was about freedom.
“The essence of America is freedom to express yourself,” said Khan. “If somebody does that by kneeling, God bless them. I mean, it’s not something I would do but that would be a personal choice. There shouldn’t be any way to punish, ostracize, or in any way make them feel bad.”
As many are aware Khan became the league’s first ethnic minority owner in the NFL in 2012. A few years later, he was joined by Kim Pegula, the first minority female president/co-owner as her and her husband, Terry Pegula purchased the Buffalo Bills in 2014.
Both franchises can play a big part in helping America with the current racial issues that players are shedding light on. One member from the Jags’ front office, Tony Khan, has already voiced his support for the black community via Twitter and has also shown in his actions by banning those with racist views from his wrestling league known as All Elite Wrestling.
Black lives matter.
— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) May 30, 2020
Heading forward, it will be interesting to see how/if Shad and Marrone do to help the league get on better footing with the fans and players on these issues as locker rooms will undoubtedly be affected by what’s going on in America.
Update 11:08 AM ET: Shad Khan released his own statement this morning which highlighted the country’s current issues with racism.