Players across the NFL have criticized the league for its lack of due diligence in regards to player safety amid the coronavirus pandemic for the upcoming season.
Among them are two players on the Vikings so far: Eric Kendricks and Anthony Barr. Kendricks and Barr both tweeted about the desire to play, also mentioning that the NFL needs to create a safe work environment.
“I just want to play football with my teammates but we need the @NFL
to step up and create a safe work environment for us! #wewanttoplay,” Kendricks wrote on Twitter.
Barr shared a similar sentiment:
I want to play football and I know the fans want to watch football this year! For that to happen, we need the @NFL to step up and create a safe work environment for us players! #wewanttoplay pic.twitter.com/50oeWK5V33
— Anthony Barr (@AnthonyBarr) July 19, 2020
The two linebackers also both denounced the NFL’s statement after George Floyd’s death.
Kendricks and Barr both said on Twitter: “what actual steps are you taking to support the fight for justice and system reform? Your statement said nothing. Your league is built on black athletes. Vague answers do nothing. Let the players know what you’re ACTUALLY doing. And we know what silence means.”