NFL commissioner Roger Goodell released a video clip condemning racing and admitting that the NFL was wrong to not listen to the players who were protesting against racial injustice and police brutality against blacks according to the NFL.
“We, the NFL, condemn racism and the systematic oppression of Black People. We, the NFL, admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest. We, the NFL, believe Black Lives Matter. #InspireChange ”
The ongoing protests that are taking place across the country and the world have forced the NFL and many organizations and companies to address the climate that has been created by police brutality against black people and systemic racism in general.
New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees reignited that flame when he stated earlier this week, “I will never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States of America or our country.”
He immediately apologized and backtracked as the backlash to his comment was swift and was condemned by his teammates, players around the league and media outlets.
President Trump has blasted the league and the players protesting for several years and commented on Brees’s apology to “ friends, teammates, the City of New Orleans, the black community, NFL community and anyone” he hurt with his comments.
Trump feels Brees shouldn’t have apologized.
This is the full statement from Goodell:
“It has been a difficult time in our country, in particular, black people in our country. First, my condolences to the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and all the families that have endured police brutality. We, the National Football League, condemn racism and the systematic oppression of black people. We, the National Football League, admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest. We, the National Football League, believe Black Lives Matter. I personally protest with you and want to be a part of the much needed change in this country. Without black players there would be no National Football League. And the protests around the country are emblematic of the centuries of silence, inequality, and oppression of black players, coaches, fans, and staff. We are listening, I am listening, and I will be reaching out to players who have raised their voices, and others on how we can move forward together for a better and more united NFL family.”