The tragic death of George Floyd has sparked responses from athletes all over the world, including former Alabama, and current Baltimore Ravens guard, D.J. Fluker.
Fluker took to Instagram to post a heartfelt reflection on the situation:
Fluker says:
“This topic is always hard. What if I say the wrong thing in anger? What if I say the right thing, but I’m told I am wrong? It’s not the first time it’s happened. . The fact of the matter is this, the system is broken and it feels that Blacks and Browns are targeted. As a father, I dread the day when I have to have “the talk” with my son. I raise my children well. I try to be respectful, I am mindful of others, I stay out of people’s way. But I still carry, in the eyes of many, that element of danger – I am Black. . So what’s the solution? The million dollar question, right? That’s where we struggle to come up with something viable. . We need representation in police departments, and we need reform. We need minorities to unite and help rewrite the training book. Because that’s always the answer, right? Training dictates that you neutralize the person. But what if, out of the 4 cops there, one said, “enough let’s throw him in the car.” . Instead you sat on his neck, like a dog needing to be told who was in charge, and that’s the problem. . Our most marginalized sector of the population is always, the most impacted by events like this. I’m tired. I don’t want to be the next hashtag, I do want to help be a step towards eradicating this very real problem. . Rest In Peace, #GeorgeFloyd. May the loss of your life, while tragic and sad, be the first step towards positive change. . PS. Minorities, please apply for Law Enforcement jobs. The more representation, the more I hope common sense will creep itself into this system. Those are good paying jobs. Get yourself in there and help prevent another George Floyd from happening.”
Four policemen involved in Floyd’s arrest were fired on Tuesday after a video that was taken by a bystander went viral. The videos shows Derek Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’s neck as he told them that he could not breathe.
The incident is now being investigated by the FBI and Minnesota law-enforcement authorities.
Fluker is one of my athletes who are looking to make a change in situations like these.
Fluker, who has been in the NFL since 2013, has spent time playing for the Los Angeles Chargers, New York Giants, and the Seattle Seahawks.
Fluker played at Alabama from 2009 to 2012, where he was a part of three national championships for the Tide. The San Diego Chargers drafted Fluker in the first round (No. 11 overall pick) of the 2013 NFL Draft.
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