Never in a million years could Joe Judge have anticipated or prepared for the offseason he’s faced as first-year head coach of the New York Giants.
First, Judge was met with the intense nature of the New York media, who raked him over the coals for refusing to use the name of a single player on his roster. Then the coronavirus pandemic swept through, forcing a shutdown of team facilities and further limiting his face-to-face interaction with his players.
Finally, Judge was faced with having to corral and manage strong emotions following the death of George Floyd, an African American man who died in Minneapolis police custody nearly two weeks ago.
By all accounts, Judge has hit a home run in each plate appearance, with his handling of Floyd’s death and national protests earning substantial praise from the players in the locker room.
To date, the Giants and Judge have held multiple team meetings to discuss racial tensions and injustices, and it’s not just lip service. From top to bottom, the Giants are actively looking into ways to curve racism not just in the NFL, but across the country.
The New York Daily News reports:
The Giants organized a team meeting on Friday to discuss the death of George Floyd, racial injustice, police brutality and protests in the country, the Daily News has confirmed.
It is part of an ongoing dialogue encouraged by new head coach Joe Judge, who already had addressed the team on these issues.
. . .
Several team members with knowledge of Judge’s initial remarks have praised Judge to the News for his handling of it, and remarked on how well received his message was.
The Giants previously released a statement on Floyd’s death, but that is just the first stepping stone for the organization.
“George Floyd’s senseless death is the type of tragedy we have seen too often for far too long. Over the past week, our players and coaches have talked about the hurt, the pain, the frustration and the anger. Each of us is feeling some or all of that. We continue to talk about what we can do to help unite and heal and, more importantly, create real opportunity and meaningful change. We have a responsibility as citizens to work in a constructive way. What we do to make a difference is what is most important. We have the ability to advocate for social justice and sustained change,” the Giants said in a Friday statement.
“We know that to make lasting change, it needs to start at the community level. That is why we are committed to continuing to strengthen the alliances we have with groups like the Vera Institute of Justice, the Newark Bronze Shields, The Bronx Defenders, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, RISE and our local law enforcement agencies to understand and support each group’s good work. We will continue to expand our relationships where we can have a meaningful, positive impact and make a difference.”
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