“Everyone’s entitled to their opinion and their way of protesting and not everyone’s going to have the same ideas,” Simmons said.
Following the death of George Floyd, many NFL players are expected to kneel during the national anthem this season in protest of police brutality and social injustices in the United States.
Broncos safety Justin Simmons, who spoke at a peaceful protest this offseason, said during a Zoom conference call on Thursday that it’s okay for players to have disagreements about the best ways to protest.
“We’ve seen so many more people know being accepting of, ‘Hey, I understand, I see your pain. Maybe I’ll take a knee with you,'” Simmons said. “But even if you decide not to take a knee . . . that doesn’t mean they’re not in support of their brothers in the team that are. It’s okay to agree to disagree on how to move forward with different things.”
Simmons said he and his teammates are trying to find the best way to use their platforms to spread the message and awareness about social issues. Simmons didn’t directly say if he and his teammates will kneel this season, indicating that they are still discussing a unified plan.
Simmons made it clear that whether players kneel or not, they can still show support for standing against police brutality and social injustices.
“Everyone’s entitled to their opinion and their way of protesting and not everyone’s going to have the same ideas,” Simmons said.
Alabama head coach Nick Saban has used his platform over the years to discuss social and political issues he feels necessary.
Nick Saban is either loved or hated across the nation for one thing: football. The Alabama head coach publicly sticks to the notion that he is “just a football coach,” and rarely ventures into the realms of American politics and social issues. However, when he does, he is consistent in his stance.
Saban’s influence is so grand and widespread that when he starred in a PSA video about wearing a mask and practicing social distancing to help mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus, ESPN host Pablo Torre thanked the six-time national championship-winning coach for using his platform to promote the safety precautions recommended by the CDC.
“On a reasonable planet, Saban’s warning would be honestly forgettable, but on our planet, where masks are somehow weapons in a culture war, I cannot stop thinking about how useful Saban’s voice actually is. If anyone is immune to the charges of virtue signaling, it’s the head football coach at Alabama. And if anyone transcends PC culture, it’s probably the guy who celebrated winning a national title by saying ‘that damn game cost me a week of recruiting.’”
In fact, during Alabama’s 2017 special election for the state’s Senate vacancy, Saban received 421 write-in votes.
John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Though people may want him to be an elected official, it appears he has no desire to partake in any form of political office.
He has utilized his role as a prominent public figure to encourage Alabama citizens to become registered voters and participate in the electoral process through an ad paid for by Alabama’s Secretary of State John Merrill in 2015.
“Register to vote and join Terry and me, as we work to make Alabama the best it can be. Roll Tide,” says Saban.
A few months after the ad was produced and publicized, Merrill was blocked from handing out posters donning pictures of Saban and Auburn’s head coach Gus Malzahn by the NAACP President.
Photo credit: Mickey Welsh
A year later, just one day after the contentious 2016 presidential election between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, it became even more clear how focused Saban was on football rather than politics. He claimed to have totally forgotten about Election Day.
“To be honest with you, I didn’t even know yesterday was Election Day,” says Saban. “It was so important to me that I didn’t even know it was happening. We’re focused on other things here. I don’t really make political comments. So if I say I like one person, that means that everybody that voted for the other person doesn’t like me. So, why would I do that?”
His statement also corroborates the idea that Saban stays out of partisan politics by sticking to what he knows best, football.
His practice of being apolitical was suddenly broken in 2018 as he endorsed Joe Manchin, the Democratic candidate for West Virginia Senate. Saban, a West Virginia native was reported to have shown public support for Manchin because they were childhood friends.
“He never forgets where he came from,” says Saban in the political ad. “I don’t have a better friend or know a better person than Joe Manchin.”
Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports
When Colin Kaepernick began kneeling during the National Anthem in 2016 to protest against police brutality and the unfair treatment of Black people in the United States, many became enraged that he, and many other NFL players, would protest in such a way that they felt disrespected the nation’s flag and men and women of service.
During Saban’s radio show in September of 2017, he was asked by a veteran what his thoughts were regarding NFL players kneeling during the national anthem.
“First of all, I’m just a football coach,” said Saban. “I don’t have all the answers to all the problems that we have in society. The one thing that’s a little disappointing to me is something that has always been really unifying, something that created spirit in our country and was very unifying is no longer that way. That’s a little bothersome to me. I don’t think that what these people are doing in any way, shape or form meant to disrespect a veteran or somebody like yourself who has worked so hard, fought so hard and sacrificed so much for all of us to have the quality of life that we want to have. But one of the things you also fought for and made sacrifice for was that we could all have the freedom to have a choice in terms of what we believe, what we do and what we said. This is not something … and, look, I respect people’s individual rights. I have my opinions in terms of what I would do and how I would do it. I’m not one to ever disrespect the symbols that represent the values of our country. I also respect individual differences that other people have and they have the right to express those — whether it’s our players or somebody else, whether I agree or disagree, I do think they have the right to do that.”
What makes this quote interesting is that he acknowledges the reasons behind the protests, unlike other high-profile figures at the time. While Saban makes it clear it’s not something he would do, he argues that those who have grievances are afforded the right to protest in any manner in which they feel necessary.
John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Fast forward three years and the killing of George Floyd at the hands of Minnesota police was the catalyst that thrusted the issue of police brutality and systemic racism into the national spotlight, though it had never really left.
Numerous prominent Alabama leaders such as Athletic Director Greg Byrne, Men’s basketball coach Nate Oats and Saban released public statements on the topic of systemic racism and a national divide.
“I am shocked and angered by the tragic deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery,” Saban says. “We’re at an important moment for our country, and now is the time for us to choose kinds, tolerance, understanding, empathy, and most importantly … its time to love each other. Every life is precious, and we must understand we have so many more things that unite us than divide us.
I’ve always been inspired and encouraged by examples set by those who came before us like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and so many others who devoted their lives to finding peaceful ways to rid our society of social inequities. As Dr. King said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied to a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” We are all part of this and we must banish these types of injustices in not just our country, but our world. The ultimate future of our nation is in our hands, and like the teams I’ve been privileged to coach, we must depend on and respect each other no matter our differences. We must come together as a society and treat one another with respect and dignity.”
It wasn’t even a month before Saban took another strong stance alongside his players.
In a powerful video posted by Alabama football, and written by senior offensive lineman Alex Leatherwood, numerous players of all races speak in support of the ongoing ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement.
“Until I listen with an open heart and mind, I can’t understand his experience and his pain,” says Saban.
In the few hours that the video has been visible to the public, there is plenty of support, but just as much negativity toward Saban and the program.
Some comments state that they will no longer be a fan of the program and are upset with the coach. Some accuse Saban of doing this solely for recruiting, to pander to a specific crowd or to appease the mass public.
While people are allowed to think what they want about Saban’s recent actions and his motives behind them, it would be extremely unfair to not mention the consistency the football legend has shown in his stance against police brutality, systemic racism and inequality found in today’s America.
Rivera opened up his press conference on Wednesday with a statement about the murder of George Floyd, and his intention to fight for justice for all going forward.
If you had any questions about where the Washington Redskins or head coach Ron Rivera stand on the protests of racial injustice and police brutality that have swept the nation over the past couple of weeks, there should be little doubt going forward. Rivera stands with those who wish to make their voices heard, and he wants to help in any way he can going forward.
When talking to the media on Wednesday morning, before the topic of football was even breached, Rivera spoke up about the murder of George Floyd that sparked worldwide protests of police brutality, calling for sweeping reform of the police departments in America.
Ron Rivera is chatting with us today on Zoom. He opens with a statement: "A little over two weeks ago, a man sworn to protect us murdered George Floyd."
Redskins owner Dan Snyder putting up $250,000 to work towards equality. The Redskins organization is also setting up a series of town hall meetings to open up communication and develop a plan of action.
Rivera starts with a statement on George Floyd's murder. Says he's proud of Chase Young for participating in that powerful video with other NFL players. Says organization has put together a 6-person task force to implement plans to affect change. Snyder putting 250k toward plans.
In support of this, not only has Rivera stated that he is in support of any player who wishes to kneel during the national anthem in order to protest and make their voice heard, but he and Redskins team owner Dan Snyder are looking to further push the conversation forward by creating a task-force to implement plans to affect change. Rivera also said that he had a team meeting with players only on Zoom, looking to discuss the topic and find ways to use their platform for change going forward.
It’s unclear what exactly the future holds on several fronts, but there should be no questions about which side of history Rivera and the players in Washington stand. In a fight for liberty and justice for all, they stand with the people.
Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller flew from San Francisco to participate in Saturday’s BLM march in Denver.
More than 50 Broncos players attended a Black Lives Matter march in Denver on Saturday. Not everyone was in town when the march was planned and some players traveled to Colorado to participate.
Broncos star outside linebacker Von Miller was training in San Francisco on Friday and flew to Denver to attend the march on Saturday, according to KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis. Miller then traveled back to California on Saturday.
Broncos tight end Nick Vannett also traveled to Colorado for the march.
“I had the great pleasure of flying to Denver to support my teammates with their feelings and supporting the movement to promote change that’s necessary,” Vannett tweeted on Saturday.
“It’s beyond incredible to see the mix of races in the crowd of protests. I really believe change is coming.✊🏿✊🏾✊🏽✊🏼#BLM.”
Not everyone was able to make it in person. Broncos offensive tackle Calvin Anderson voiced support from afar.
Extremely proud to be apart of a team that is willing to stand against injustice ✊🏿
On Friday, Broncos general manager John Elway said he is joining the team’s players, coaches and organization in “speaking up against racism, police brutality and any injustice against the black community.”
“We are listening, I am listening, and I will be reaching out to players who have raised their voices,” Goodell said.
Following the death of George Floyd and protests across the United States, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell released a video declaring that the NFL was wrong for how it handled player protests in the past.
“We, the NFL, condemn racism and the systematic oppression of Black People,” the league tweeted on Friday. “We, the NFL, admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest. We, the NFL, believe Black Lives Matter.”
Here’s the full statement from Goodell:
We, the NFL, condemn racism and the systematic oppression of Black People. We, the NFL, admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest. We, the NFL, believe Black Lives Matter. #InspireChangepic.twitter.com/ENWQP8A0sv
Goodell did not mention Colin Kaepernick, who started the protests four years ago, by name. There will likely be many more protests this season.
“We are listening, I am listening, and I will be reaching out to players who have raised their voices and others on how we can improve for a better and more united NFL family,” Goodell said.
“I am joining … in speaking up against racism, police brutality and any injustice against the black community,” John Elway said.
After George Floyd was killed by police last month, many NFL teams have spoken up against social injustices in the United States. On Friday, Denver Broncos general manager John Elway added his voice to the conversation.
I’ve spent the last week listening and learning from the players and coaches on our team.
What I’ve heard from the players in particular — and watching the way they lead during this time of need — has been moving. I always thought that since I grew up in a locker room, I knew everything there was to know about understanding teammates from different backgrounds and walks of life.
What I’ve realized is that I could not have been more wrong.
Listening to the players and reading their social media, the strength they have shown and the experienced they have shared has been powerful. It has impacted me. I realize I have a long way to go, but I will keep listening and learning. That is the only way to grow.
I truly believe a lot of good will come from the many difficult conversations that are taking place around our team, league and country. The way the players amplify the voices that need to be heard is more important than ever. I fully support them using their platform and influence in a positive way to create change. Recently, we’ve all heard people say that sports can be a much-needed distraction during such a challenging time.
I know that the players, our team and league can be so much more than that.
We can all be part of the solution. I also understand that my voice needs to be part of this conversation, too. I am not going to stay on the sidelines. Everyone has a responsibility to help those who are hurting. I am joining with the players, coaches and our organization in speaking up against racism, police brutality and any injustice against the black community.
Broncos players, coaches and executives attended a BLM march in Denver on Saturday. You can view photos from the march here.
Washington Redskins quarterback Dwayne Haskins is at the Black Lives Matter protests in Washington D.C. on Sunday, protesting against police brutality and racial injustice in America that has been prevalent over the past decades.
It was reported on Saturday that both Haskins and Doug Williams, the Redskins SVP of Player Development, would be traveling to D.C. to join the protest and meet with Mayor Muriel Bowser to discuss the BLM movement.
These pictures from Bleacher Report show that Haskins was out in the mix with thousands of other protesters, working to make their voices heard for what they think is right.
Both Haskins and Williams will reportedly travel to D.C. this weekend to meet with Mayor Bowser and discuss the BLM protests.
Per sources, QB Dwayne Haskins (@dh_simba7) and SVP of player development Doug Williams are headed to Washington, D.C. to speak to DC @MayorBowser , who is attending the #DCProtests today. #HTTR
According to The Athletic‘s Rhiannon Walker, Washington Redskins quarterback Dwayne Haskins, and SVP of Player Development Doug Williams, will head to Washington D.C. this weekend to speak with Mayor Muriel Bowser, who attended the protests for Black Lives Matter on Saturday.
Haskins has been very vocal on social media about the need for police reform, and the protests against police brutality that sparked after the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis a couple of weeks ago. As for Williams, he is famously known as the first African-American quarterback to win a Super Bowl in the NFL, which he did with the Redskins in 1987.
Mayor Bowser has been active regarding protests in Washington D.C., though she has faced some criticism online for making hollow acts, such as painting ‘Black Lives Matter’ on the street in front of the White House, but making no movement towards defunding the police department. It is unclear what will be discussed with Haskins and Williams come to chat, but you can reasonably guess that this will be part of the conversation.
“Justin is a great person, a great leader and has his head screwed on correctly,” Fangio said.
After safety Justin Simmons spoke at a protest in Florida earlier this week, Broncos coach Vic Fangio praised the defensive back during a Zoom conference call with media members on Tuesday.
“I thought it was great,” Fangio said. “Justin is a great person, a great leader and has his head screwed on correctly. He sees the problems and how they need to be solved, he’s doing it peacefully and he’s searching for solutions.
“It’s easy for everybody to identify the problems — we all know the problems — but we need to search for solutions. I think that Justin is one of those guys that will help us find solutions and lead us out of this mess that we’re in.”
Denver safety Kareem Jackson echoed Fangio’s words.
“I think that was great for ‘J’ to do that, to go out and protest in a peaceful way,” Jackson said. “It’s just a testament to the type of guy he is. He’s very involved in the Denver community, so I wouldn’t expect that from anyone but ‘J.’
“For him to go out and do that . . . obviously, it’s a sad time right now and what we’re going through but at the end of the day, I think those things have to be done. We have to go out and do the things we can do to be heard and try to do it in a peaceful way.”
Broncos safety Justin Simmons spoke at a protest in Florida last week following the death of George Floyd.
During an interview with Evan Cohen on ESPN West Palm earlier this week, Simmons talked about participating in the protest.
“Obviously standing for all the racial injustices and racial oppression that has been going on around our country for way too long,” Simmons said.
“We were just going out there, showing our support, and showing how important it is to us. The important part about that was making sure that we did that in a manner that was peaceful and trying to get our voices across.”
Simmons also said that he expects to see more player protests during the national anthem this season. Simmons explained that players have a responsibility to use their platform to help things get better.
“I know that we have too big of a platform to be quiet,” Simmons said.
