Sports Speak After the Murder of George Floyd

By Andrew Rosario

 

The picture of police officer Derek Chauvin burying his knee on the neck of George Floyd which resulted in his death was both disturbing and appalling. Making matters worse was the fact that two other police officers held Floyd down as well even though he was handcuffed. A fourth officer stood watch and did not do anything to descale the situation. An autopsy revealed that the cause of death was caused by Asphyxiation due to neck and back compression that led to a lack of blood flow to the brain. Chauvin, a 19 year veteran with 18 complaints on his record, was eventually charged with murder and manslaughter. The other 3 officers have yet to be charged as of this issue. 

 

It has led to riots, looting and fires to establishments. At least two people have been killed and injuries to both civilians and police have occurred. Curfews have been mandated in Los Angeles and New York with the National Guard being sent to Minneapolis to help control the crowd. Combine that with the Coronavirus/Covid19 pandemic and cities trying to reopen businesses and things look like they will get worse before they get better.

We have seen all to often recently people of color both male and female losing their lives at the hands of police officers without being charged. High profile athlete’s remained quiet for the most part. All of this happening when San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick took a knee prior to a game in 2016 to bring attention to the crimes committed by law enforcement. Kaepernick has never set foot upon the field again. 

 

As the video became viral, statements were made via the internet, Facebook and Instagram. Ex-NBA player and close friend Stephen Jackson defended the character of Floyd saying,”they are not going to destroy the character of George Floyd, my twin.” San Antonio Spurs head coach, who has made comments in the past when it came to race relations, said, “the U.S. needs a president that says black lives matter.” Michael Jordan, who was once quoted as saying “ republicans buy sneakers too,” issued a statement in part saying, “I am deeply saddened, truly pained and plain angry,” he began. “I see and feel everyone’s pain, outrage and frustration. I stand with those who are calling out the ingrained racism and violence toward the people of color in our country. We have had enough.”

 

Since the days of of Muhammad Ali, Jim Brown, Kareem Abdual Jabber, there have been a dearth of African American athlete’s and non athlete’s who have spoken out when it comes social issues. It is hard to gauge the responses from players and coaches had there been a full slate of games being played. Protest would still have taken place that is one thing for sure. Not would how it have effected attendance, we’ll never know. The owners of MLB, NHL and NBA are still haggling as to when their seasons will start or resume.

 

One thing is for sure, there will be more riots and protests until the police officer’s responsible for the cruel and brutal murder of George Floyd are prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Until then, more people who are in the position of prominence need to continue to speak up. It will be the only way to honor the memory of George Floyd.