More than 1,400 athletes and executives from three major American sports — the NFL, MLB and NBA — have signed a letter urging Congress to support bipartisan legislation introduced by Reps. Justin Amash (L-Mich.) and Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) that would end qualified immunity for law enforcement and government officials.
The letter, which was submitted on Wednesday morning, featured the signatures of several current and former members of the New York Giants, including cornerback Grant Haley and safety Sean Chandler.
Today, on behalf of 1100+ athletes & coaches and 300+ front office personnel across the @NFL @NBA & @MLB, we urge Congress to pass the Ending Qualified Immunity Act, introduced by @justinamash & @AyannaPressley
We demand accountability for police brutality. It's time for change. pic.twitter.com/ro7eRmvSK6
— PlayersCoalition (@playercoalition) June 10, 2020
In addition to Haley and Chandler, former Giants Odell Beckham Jr., Olivier Vernon, Antonio Hamilton, Evan Brown and Tae Davis were among active players to sign the letter.
Retired players including Shane Vereen, Jonathan Casillas, Jarod Bunch, Chris Calloway, Mark Collins, Dan Connor, Nick Greisen, Bobby Duhon, Myron Guyton, Mark Herzlich, Emery Moorehead, Louis Murphy Jr., Thomas Lewis and Spencer Paysinger also signed the letter, as did former Giants head coach Ben McAdoo.
If passed, the legislation would put an end to government and law enforcement officials being able to avoid civil lawsuits in federal court.
The push for this bill to be passed comes in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death, which has sparked nation-wide outrage and protest.
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