Carolina Panthers coach Matt Rhule began his Zoom press conference call with the media today by addressing the social justice protests taking place in cities all over the country.
Rhule struck right at the heart of the matter, saying that overt racism is easy to spot but the true problem is systemic racism, which must be rooted out.
Rhule: Overt racism is easy to spot. But what’s gripping our country is systemic racism and it must be rooted out at every turn.
— Myles Simmons (@MylesASimmons) June 3, 2020
Rhule also told reporters he wants to be on the right side of history when we look back on this time.
“I want my kids to know I was on the right side of history and it’s time for a change.” https://t.co/XfxAoqSdht
— Bill Voth (@PanthersBill) June 3, 2020
Rhule also said he is proud of the Panthers players who have been participating in peaceful protests and helping their communities, singling out running back Reggie Bonnafon.
Rhule says he's proud of the team for using their voices in whatever way they do. References Reggie Bonnafon helping to clean streets in Louisville yesterday.
— Alaina Getzenberg (@agetzenberg) June 3, 2020
It’s refreshing to hear a direct take like this from an NFL coach when it would be so easy to evade the issue or offer vague platitudes. Rhule’s comments are a stark contrast to those of Denver Broncos coach Vic Fangio, who said yesterday he doesn’t see any racism or discrimination in the league.
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