Tag: racial injustice

On Juneteenth, DT Gerald McCoy asks Cowboys owner to ‘say something’

The Cowboys’ new defensive tackle is walking the walk on Juneteenth and asking new boss Jerry Jones to finally talk the talk.

Gerald McCoy is already showing himself to be a leader for the 2020 Dallas Cowboys, even though he has yet to set foot in the building. The six-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle, signed by the club in late March, is lending his voice to growing calls to make Juneteenth a national holiday. He called on his new Cowboys teammates to join him in a 2.5-mile walk on Friday, a show of solidarity with Opal Lee, the 92-year-old retired teacher who walked from her Fort Worth home all the way to the nation’s capital (two and a half miles at a time, in 2016 and again in 2019) in an attempt to get the date recognized officially.

But McCoy also had some words for his new boss, Cowboys team owner Jerry Jones, who has yet to weigh in publicly with a stance on the events that have gripped the country since the May 25 death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police.

Appearing on ESPN’s First Take on Friday to mark the occasion of Juneteenth, McCoy was asked about the deafening silence that has come from the owner of America’s Team.

“When you have a franchise as recognizable as the Cowboys, “McCoy said, “people listen when they speak up. And the owner, Jerry Jones- who is one of the most recognizable figures in sports history- when he speaks, everybody listens. Well, I think at this point in time, I feel it would be great to hear him say something positive, or say anything. I love what he’s been to the sport. He’s been excellent to the sport of football. He’s a Hall of Famer. But at this point, it’s bigger than football. We need him to speak up about life. This is about human beings and equal rights. And that’s not what’s happening. And it would be great to hear him say something. Anything.”

Jones has taken considerable heat for his uncharacteristic radio silence. Former Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant tweeted that he’d like to have seen Jones attend one of the many protests that followed Floyd’s death. 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman called out Jones as well, in comments to a San Francisco newspaper.

This week, First Take cohost Stephen A. Smith offered a scathing rant directed at Jones. The team made a mention of Juneteenth via their social media accounts and spotlighted former defensive end Greg Ellis’s theatrical production, “Juneteenth: The Stage Play.” But for Smith, a rabid Cowboys hater, it’s not the same as a formal statement from the man at the top.

“Even more disappointing” than Jones’s silence, Smith said, “is that I haven’t heard one single Dallas Cowboy call for Jerry Jones to speak on this issue. Where the hell are they?”

McCoy’s pointed comments 24 hours later may have come too late and too softly for Smith’s liking. But they were not, in fact, the only ones to have come from a Cowboys notable.

On June 3, quarterback Dak Prescott posted an eloquent series of messages via Instagram detailing his perspective and pledging $1 million in support of police training, education, and advocacy.

Running back Ezekiel Elliott was one of the players featured in the video directed at NFL commissioner Roger Goodell two weeks ago, prompting the commissioner to release a video response of his own condemning racism and admitting the league was wrong to not listen to players’ previous criticisms regarding the issue of race.

Several Cowboys, including Prescott, wide receiver Amari Cooper, Ring of Honor legend Emmitt Smith, former Cowboys defensive star DeMarcus Ware, and three-time Super Bowl offensive lineman Nate Newton were among the hundreds of sports notables who signed a letter supporting the end of qualified immunity for violent police officers.

Speaking with Rich Eisen, Hall of Fame wide receiver Michael Irvin shared personal stories of his own experiences with systemic racism and described it as a problem that “we have to root out.”

The Cowboys organization released a video, the first in a promised series, that, according the team website, “reflects the organization’s statement regarding the recent tragedies in our country while also disclosing interactions between the team, its players, and community leaders.”

And most recently, defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence pledged to join McCoy for local Opal’s Walk events on Friday and Saturday. The two and a half miles of the walk represent the two and a half years that Black Texans waited between the Emancipation Proclamation, which abolished slavery, and the day that message finally arrived in Galveston.

McCoy, who still has not met most of his new teammates or coaches face to face, clearly grasps the club’s unique place in the landscape of professional sports. His conversation with the First Take crew echoes remarks he made to ESPN that show his apparent willingness to use his newly-elevated profile to address the current climate alongside the Cowboys veterans who have already done so.

“You have the players, who have their own brand, but we’re all under the umbrella of the Dallas Cowboys,” McCoy said, per Todd Archer. “The Dallas Cowboys are the most recognized franchise in the world. They can get behind it, whether it’s the players or just being in the movement, period, and showing their support. It would be great to hear a statement from the Cowboys, great to hear a statement from Jerry Jones in support of everything that’s going on. Will that get me in trouble saying that? I don’t know, but the truth is it needs to be said. The problem is people are afraid to have the conversations.”

Gerald McCoy is talking the talk on racial inequality in America. And on Juneteenth, he’s also walking the walk.

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Wives of current, former Seahawks organize ‘Bridge to the Future’ walk

Wives of current and former Seattle Seahawks have organized a “‘Bridge to the Future” march across I-90 at 2:00 p.m. on June 13, 2020.

NFL players aren’t the only ones who are participating in marches around the country in protest of racial injustices, their wives are organizing events too.

“My wife and her friends are putting together a March for Solidarity & Justice! ” linebacker K.J. Wright posted on his Instagram account. “Join us this Saturday at 2 as we take the necessary steps towards making the future better for our children.”

Wright’s wife, Natalie, Tiffany Chancellor and other members of the Seahawks’ Women’s Association are coordinating the event.

The march is called the “Bridge to the Future” and will feature a walk from Mercer Island across the I-90 bridge in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.

The march kicks off at 2:00 p.m. PT from Aubrey Davis Park.

Complete information can be found on Wright’s Instagram page.

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Despite insider report, NFL owners not waiting on Jerry Jones to speak out

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is one of the NFL’s leaders, but he’s taken a sudden backseat in using his powerful voice to speak out for change.

With every passing hour of silence from the big office at The Star in Frisco, the message being relayed only grows louder. It’s been 17 days since the first protest in Minneapolis, and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has yet to make any statement regarding the current social injustice movement in America.

The Cowboys organization released a video statement promising ongoing conversation, but the man who runs the highest-profile team in all of sports doesn’t appear in it. The league has announced monetary support– albeit a microdrop in their lake-sized financial bucket- to fight systemic racism. And while many players and coaches from around the league have participated in marches and rallies in cities across the country, team owners have been largely missing in action on the ground.

On Thursday, a media insider suggested that other NFL owners have maintained silence on the issue directly because of the example being set by Jones.

Read that again.

As incendiery a headline as that makes, it’s not entirely factual. The truth, however, may be even more damning for the man who runs America’s Team.

ESPN’s Dianna Russini appeared on the network’s show Get Up and recapped her findings after a Players Coalition meeting that took place on Wednesday. The meeting was held virtually, and, according to Russini, began with a request for all media members to exit so that the meeting could be “a safe space” for all to talk freely.

While the GMs, coaches, and players who were present- representing several major sports besides the NFL- talked about education and community outreach, what didn’t come up, per se, was owners’ roles in the current movement or their responsibility to speak out, Russini told host Mike Greenberg.

But one NFL head coach Russini debriefed after the meeting told her:

“Everything falls in line with Jerry Jones. All eyes are on him. He’s the most vocal owner in the league. And not only is he the most vocal leader, but there are numerous owners that listen to him. He mentors them. What Jerry does, they do. And until he makes that move, the dominoes can’t start falling.”

 

“It’s not pulling them like it is the rest of the country,” San Francisco 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman said of the league’s owners. Sherman went on to single out Jones for his silence in the wake of nationwide protests.

Even former Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant- who is lobbying for a return to the league and has targeted Dallas as a preferred destination- called out his ex-employer in a tweet for not lending his powerful voice to any protests.

Russini’s source similarly believes that what Jones does or doesn’t do is apparently the bellwether for the league’s other owners. But, as the facts bear out, rather than allowing themselves to simply be “dominoes” waiting for a nudge from Jones, a not-insignificant number of NFL owners have stepped out and spoken up on their own.

Tennessee Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk delivered an impassioned statement on Thursday, announcing, “Hearts, minds and institutions need to change throughout our country. Those who face racism need to be heard, and more importantly, understood by those who haven’t listened before.”

Strunk shed light on some of the Titans’ ongoing efforts and concluded her statement by declaring: “I support our players using peaceful protests and their platforms to advance us as a nation. I would encourage those who haven’t thought about these issues before to understand the pain, anger and frustration of the black community. Black lives matter. We should all agree on that.”

As NFL journalist Paul Kuharsky notes, the Titans owner isn’t the first or the only league owner who isn’t waiting around for Jones. “We’d seen or heard statements from at least 10 NFL owners, 32 percent of them,” before Strunk released her statement, according to Kuharsky.

On May 30, San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York said in a tweet, “Before we are able to realize impactful change, we must first have the courage and compassion as human beings to come together and acknowledge the problem: black men, women, and children and other oppressed minorities continue to be systemically discriminated against.”

On May 31, Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis told ESPN regarding his players, “If they have something to say, I’ll stand beside them. I won’t stand behind them; I’ll stand beside them. And if there’s something I don’t know, I’m happy to listen to them. We’ve got to find a solution.”

On June 1, New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson said in a statement, “Our goal will be to advocate for issues of change when and where we are able to in black and brown communities. Hopefully our work will be a model for others. They will have my full support.”

On June 1, Chicago Bears owner George H. McCaskey said, “We must do more than wring our hands and hope it doesn’t happen again… Through our voice, our actions and our resources, it is our obligation to lead.”

On June 1, Cleveland Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam promised, “We must work together to elevate our efforts and our actions to ensure that we can be a positive and productive change agent off the field.”

On June 1, Baltimore Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti vowed, “I have asked a group of former and current Ravens players to decide which organizations should receive proceeds from the $1 million donation we are making today.”

On June 2, Philadelphia Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie tweeted, in part, “At times, I have too many words. At times, I have no words. But silence is not an option.”

On June 2, Buffalo Bills owners Terry and Kim Pegula spoke out: “We stand with and will continue to work with those dedicated to eradicating racism and inequality. We stand with those peacefully protesting. We stand against those who are motivated by hatred and violence.”

On June 2, Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay quoted Martin Luther King Jr. via Twitter: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

On June 3, Houston Texans owner Cal McNair said in a posted tweet, “This has been a pervasive and mostly silent problem for the past 400-plus years… I believe that these injustices cannot continue.”

On June 3, Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan said in a released statement, “As a member of the NFL family, I recognize I have a unique opportunity to address inequity wherever it is present, expand opportunity for all who seek it, and seek justice for all who deserve it. I take that responsibility seriously.”

As of June 12, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has yet to say a word.

His is the flagship team of the league, and the most valuable sports franchise on the planet. His fanbase reaches every corner of the globe. One from-the-heart statement from him into the nearest microphone would surely have ripple effects throughout the NFL, the sports world, the country, and beyond.

Russini’s head coach source was right. All eyes are, in fact, on Jones. And yes, what Jerry does, other owners invariably do as well.

Jones had the chance to be the undisputed leader within the NFL’s ownership by speaking out immediately. The Cowboys could have been the example and set the tone for other franchises to follow. Instead, more than a third of the other owners have beaten Jones to the punch. At this point in the story, Jones risks being barely more than a follower in the middle of the pack who did way too little, way too late.

The only thing worse is continuing to do nothing at all.

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Richard Sherman calls out Jerry Jones, Dez Bryant defends Cowboys owner

The 49ers cornerback singled out the Cowboys boss in a quote about NFL owners remaining largely silent regarding racial justice talks.

In a week where so many, from celebrities to CEOs, have come forward with formal statements and calls for change regarding racial inequality and social injustice in America, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has remained uncharacteristically silent.

That is precisely part of the problem, says San Francisco 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman.

In an interview with the San Francisco Chronicle, Sherman expressed optimism at the growing movement within the NFL to address race. But the five-time Pro Bowler said he felt that team owners haven’t been vocal enough about joining the conversation. He singled out Jones in particular.

“It’s not pulling them like it is the rest of the country,” Sherman told the newspaper, as per ESPN. “Because if it was, then they’d speak. Jerry Jones, especially, has no problem speaking up any other time about anything else. But when it’s such a serious issue, and he could really make a huge impact on it with a few words, his silence speaks volumes.”

The Cowboys organization released a video statement late last week meant to be the first in a series that shares ongoing interactions between the team, players, and community leaders.

Jones does not appear in the video, nor has he weighed in publicly about the recent instances of police violence that have shocked the nation, the resulting protests that have taken place in cities around the globe, or the subsequent conversations and outreach efforts that have begun to spring up.

Jones’s absence at a large protest in Austin over the weekend caught the attention of former Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant. On Sunday, Bryant issued a tweet in which he wrote, “Somebody should have brought Jerry Jones, Stephen Jones, and Jason Witten to this protest down in Austin. This is not a policy change; this is a heart change. And yeah, I said it.”

While Witten responded (via Twitter) to his former teammate, Bryant’s former employer still has not. Yet on Monday, the free agent receiver defended Jones to Sports Illustrated.

“I know Jerry’s heart. He’s a compassionate person, and he’s not a racist,” Bryant said. “I have love for Mr. Jones. Almost everything I know about business- and of course, I’m still learning- I learned from him. But I believe this is a time, right now, where Mr. Jones could learn some things, too. To learn about the culture.”

The same goes, Bryant says, for chief operating officer (and Jerry’s son) Stephen.

“I’ve seen some of the other coaches and GMs from other teams start to reach out and even march,” Bryant went on. “I think that will help those teams in the locker room and on the field, for players to know that the boss is at least trying to understand.”

As for Witten, Bryant says he and the eventual Hall of Famer still have a close relationship.

“I’d like to tell Witt what I’m telling you: He can’t know what it’s like being a black man walking into a restaurant and only feeling accepted because he’s an athlete. I don’t know that Witt can know that, or that Jerry or Stephen can know it. I want them to listen to us telling them that.”

According to ESPN, Witten- now a member of the Raiders- has already met with police, religious, and business leaders in Las Vegas, looking for ways to improve relations in his new home city.

Sherman said he has been encouraged by the discussions happening within his own team.

San Francisco, of course, was the epicenter of controversy in 2016 when then-quarterback Colin Kaepernick began silently taking a knee during the playing of the national anthem in protest of systemic black oppression.

At the time, Jones famously made it clear that he would not tolerate any Cowboys player kneeling, believing it was disrespectful to the American flag. In 2017, though, as the gesture spread throughout the league, Jones joined the team in kneeling, linking arms with the players during one memorable pregame.

Given recent events, many around the sport expect there to be similar showings once games are played in 2020. It is unclear what the Cowboys- either the players or the ownership- will do, or if the two sides will agree on a unified approach. But Bryant has a suggestion on how the team owner could endear himself to his players in the meantime.

“If Jerry [participated in a protest], those guys in that locker room at The Star- knowing what he might be changing and might be sacrificing- would run through a brick wall for him,” Bryant predicted. “Jerry does that, he might just win another Super Bowl because of it.”

For now, though, Jones is inexplicably letting his silence do all the talking. And the message it’s sending is leaving a bad taste in the mouths of fans and players who are looking for the outspoken owner to do what he normally does best: speak out.

Watch: Tom Izzo explains how sports can help in the fight to end racial injustice

Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo spoke to Mike Tirico of NBC Sports about the role of sports in ending racial injustice in America.

It seems like these days everyone around the country is asking themselves the same question: what can we do to end racial injustice in America? Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo, like many Spartans, has been very outspoken in the battle against racism. Izzo joined Mike Tirico of NBC Sports on Tuesday to discuss how he thinks sports can be part of the solution.

You can watch the video below:

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Chris Conley talks about setting an example for the youth after Ahmaud Arbery’s, George Floyd’s deaths

Chris Conley became a big part of Jags history with his statements today as he and Jags marched to combat racial injustice Friday.

Friday marked a good day in Jacksonville Jaguars history as the organization marched together in wake of George Floyd’s death and the country’s current issues with racial injustice. The team began their walk from TIAA Bank Field early Friday morning and made their way to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. While there, they shared a variety of powerful messages about inequality and standing together.

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JSO officer and former Jag Ernest Wilford and running backs coach Terry Robiskie were the first to speak while at the sheriff’s office, sharing awesome messages for the city to soak in.

Afterward, receiver Chris Conley came through with some encouraging words, too, urging those listening to understand the history of America’s issues because they will lead to change. He also encouraged others to follow the footsteps of those who’ve demonstrated how to make change peacefully and declared that those with good intentions wouldn’t allow those who are doing it through hate and violence to take from the moment.

Another important message from Conley came as he concluded his statements. He reached out to the children who were a part of the march and told them that Friday’s display was an example of what the future could be. While referring to the recent murder of Ahmaud Arbery, he also stated that he saw the youth’s lives being in jeopardy when watching the confrontation.

Conley’s conclusion and message, in general, proved just what kind of leader he is and it’s awesome to see him step to the plate early and use his platform as a player. Heading forward, it appears we could hear more from the veteran, who clearly has the ability to help the Jags do their part in changing the racial issues we see all too much in America.

NFL issues 2nd statement, now acknowledging Black Lives Matter

The National Football League has now issued a second statement on racial injustice, finally acknowledging Black Lives Matter.

In light of the recent protests calling out racial injustices around the country, the National Football League – like many other large businesses and organizations – issued a statement. For many, the message was not strong enough. Here’s a look at the league’s first try.

 

After considerable backlash for what some considered empty words, on Thursday, the NFL issued a second statement in a series of tweets, this time, acknowledging that Black Lives Matter.

“This is a time of self-reflection for all – the NFL is no exception,” the first tweet read. “We stand with the black community because Black Lives Matter.”

“Through Inspire Change, the NFL, Players and our partners have supported programs and initiatives throughout the country to address systemic racism,” read tweet No. 2. “We will continue using our platform to challenge the injustice around us.”

And finally: “To date we have donated $44 million to support hundreds of worthy organizations. This year, we are committing an additional $20 million to these causes and we will accelerate efforts to highlight their critical work. We know that we can and need to do more.”

What “more” the NFL plans to do remains unseen, but for now, let’s hope it’s a step in the right direction.

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Jags organization march in solidarity to bring awareness to racial injustice

As most NFL coaches were permitted to return to their facilities today, the Jaguars’ return to TIAA Bank Field Friday was marked by something bigger than football. In wake of the recent killing of George Floyd, the spotlight on police brutality and …

As most NFL coaches were permitted to return to their facilities today, the Jaguars’ return to TIAA Bank Field Friday was marked by something bigger than football. In wake of the recent killing of George Floyd, the spotlight on police brutality and rallying cries against racial issues that millions are protesting in America, the team got together to march from TIAA Bank Field to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office in solidarity.

Many joined the march while wearing Black Lives Matter shirts and hoodies, and several players, including receivers D.J. Chark and Chris Conley, kicker Josh Lambo and running backs coach Terry Robiskie, spoke during the event. They were joined by former Jaguar and current JSO officer Ernest Wilford during the march, who also shared remarks. 

Per Gene Frenette of the Florida Times-Union, the idea was Robiskie’s. During his time speaking in front of the crowd, he stated that he has never seen such support from an organization having been in the league since 1982 as a coach. Robiskie also said that he attended his first protest in the late 60s, which shows just how long America has battled with racism.

Upon arrival at the sheriff’s office, Conley spoke about how racial injustices have been foreshadowed and urged those marching to know the history of America’s issues because they will lead to change. He also spoke on a confederate monument located at Hemming Park (less than a mile from the sheriff’s office), and how close it was to a horrific racist attack that took place in Jacksonville 60 years ago known as “Axe Handle Saturday.”

 

Afterward, the team walked back to TIAA Bank Field in solidarity once again where coach Doug Marrone spoke. His message was simply for everyone to do their best to understand where African Americans are coming from when they shed light on the racial issues of America. He also urged everyone to come together and fight against racism to make an impact for the past, present, and future.

Michael Irvin: ‘Have to root out the problem above the officers’ including general public

The Hall of Famer and former Dallas Cowboys WR spoke with Rich Eisen about the recent protests and his own brush with racial profiling.

During extraordinary times, ordinary people invariably look to their heroes for reaction. Those with fame or wealth or power or status are, at a core level, of course, no different than anyone else. But right or wrong, it has become second nature in today’s world to look to celebrities, actors, comedians, filmmakers, artists, musicians, and athletes for their opinion on matters that touch everyone.

Maybe it’s a way to gauge whether that person we admire is worthy of our admiration. Maybe it’s a way to feel a closer connection with that larger-than-life figure, to hear they feel the same way we do about this issue or that story.

Speaking Wednesday on The Rich Eisen Show, Cowboys Ring of Honor wide receiver Michael Irvin echoed things that many are feeling in the wake of the George Floyd killing.

“We need law enforcement for our protection,” Irvin said. “What we do not need is black men being persecuted and executed. We need law enforcement, and there are a great number of great people out here that do their jobs and do it well. But we’ve got to stop the persecution and certainly the execution.”

The Playmaker shared his thoughts on law enforcement in America, and shared a story about a recent run-in of his own.

“I can tell you over the past few months, I bet I’ve been stopped a couple of times. I even film them. I got stopped driving in Addison, Texas, right up the street. I was just driving around, and the guy stopped me because I did a U-turn… I asked, ‘Why are you stopping me? I didn’t do anything wrong.’ ‘Well,’ he said, ‘you were in a turn lane and didn’t turn on your turn signal.’ I said, ‘Are you joking? C’mon, man…’ I was in the turning lane. He finally broke down and said, ‘Okay, Michael.’ He had found out who I was, and he said, ‘We had a phone call from people that said there was a suspicious black man in a G-Wagen driving around.’ We have to change the mentality… That’s the systemic issue that we have that perpetuates itself, that we’ve got to root out of this country.”

While the week’s protests have largely been viewed as citizens-versus-police, Eisen and Irvin went on to discuss how the necessary changes need to come on a higher level.

“Hey, [former Minneapolis police officer] Derek [Chauvin] felt comfortable enough to lay on this man’s neck for nine minutes,” the Hall of Famer and NFL Network analyst said. “That is insane that you feel comfortable enough to openly do this murder on tape- on film- and feel, ‘Hey, there’s going to be no repercussions.’ He did it thinking there would be no repercussions. So we have to root out the problem above the officers, not just the officers.”

Irvin alluded to another personal incident in which he almost posted the interaction on social media, but then didn’t after considering the potential blowback for that one particular officer. Irvin said a friend, an African-American state trooper, helped him see that the problem is about far more than the one officer who happened to respond to that one call.

“The issue rides deeper than that. The issue rides with the people that are even above them that we have to think out. The issue rides with the people, with us. The kids. Because we ultimately go to court, and you look at the list of officers that have gotten off over the last 10 years on things- even events that we’ve seen happen live- get off on those cases. The jury pool is coming from all of us. So we have to change the way we see all of those things, man. It’s an insane undertaking that we have to start walking.”

As of Wednesday evening, neither the Dallas Cowboys nor owner Jerry Jones had made any public statement about the murder of George Floyd or the resulting protests across the country.

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Seahawks QB Russell Wilson speaks out on inequality, racial injustice

Seattle Seahawks QB Russell Wilson addressed the media and gave his thoughts on equality and racial injustice in light of the protests.

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson took to the mic Wednesday afternoon to speak out against the racial injustice that has sparked protests across the nation.

Addressing the local media via a Zoom interview, Wilson was clear – he did not want to discuss football.

“Hopefully . . . our family and everybody else that I can hopefully have an influence on will continue to grow with me and with us and everybody else,” Wilson said. “Like I said, I don’t want to talk about football. I think about the pain of George [Floyd]. I think about Ahmaud [Arbery]. I think about Breonna [Taylor]. I think about these people who have been murdered. It’s a lot of pain on my heart right now.”

Wilson went on to discuss former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick and his actions years ago that tried to draw attention to the injustices. Wilson believes everyone can do something to help.

“We all need to find our own ways of how we’re going to love and how we’re going to make a difference, and everybody may do it differently,” Wilson continued. “I don’t know what everybody’s going to do and how they’re going to do it, but it’s calling for people to understand what’s really going on. It’s heavy on me because I think the reality is with Colin, in particular, is he was trying to symbolize the right thing. People may have taken that the wrong way. But I think he was trying to do the right thing. The bottom line.”

You can watch the entire Wilson interview here.

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