While players, coaches and organizations of sport teams have been delivering statements about social injustice and racism after the death of George Floyd, Chargers coach Anthony Lynn had a lot more to say.
In an interview with Los Angeles Times’ LZ Granderson, Lynn said having a conversation was the best way of getting his thoughts across about Floyd’s death and racial injustice across the United States.
“I think statements are needed to bring awareness to the situation,” Lynn said. “But I want to do something too. I don’t want to just put [a statement] out there because it’s the right thing to do.
I want change so I guess it starts with having this conversation and talking things out. In 1992 I remember watching L.A. burn and here we are in 2020 and I’m watching it again and it just hit me, nothing has changed.”
Frustrated, Lynn said that unarmed black men are dying on camera and nothing is being done about it.
“I’m angry, I’m pissed off and I don’t want to just put out a pretty statement,” Lynn said.
Lynn believes many cops aren’t doing anything about it, and he wants to see that change when they see injustice being done.
“I would challenge the good ones to speak up and not be silent anymore. That’s what I take away from all of this. George Floyd died with three officers right there who watched him die. It’s time for good officers to speak up and not accept that anymore.”
Former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick was brought up in the conversation. Lynn said that him kneeling during the national anthem was misinterpreted, stating he wasn’t disrespecting the flag but protesting racial injustice in America. He believes he should have a job in the NFL.
Lynn was recently pulled over by police and the cops were suspicious towards him due to the color of his skin.
“The lights come on, I pull over and the first thing the police officer asked [was] if I was on parole or if I had ever been to jail,” Lynn said.
Lynn was asked what if he’s forced to bring this up 20 years from now, and he is hoping that he won’t be having this conversation 20 years down the line.