NFL Commish Issues Lengthy Statement on Racial Inequality Amid Unrest

As more and more corporations around the country work up verbiage to express their efforts to strive toward racial equality, we have seen a number of different approaches to the sensitive but pressing issue.

For most companies, it seemed as though a black box photo on Instagram and some boilerplate gibberish would be enough.  These were the sorts of companies who found themselves being brutalized by Twitter users on account of the generic and mundane nature of their message.

Others, like ultra-liberal ice cream company Ben and Jerry’s, went much further, releasing a 4 page statement complete with resources and educational materials to help make this a teachable moment.

If you haven't read @benandjerrys four-point plan to begin to end the culture of white supremacy in the U.S., read it now.

If you have read it, read it again. And make sure you're registered to vote. https://t.co/KLpSnGhiDt pic.twitter.com/nj7dOUC6l5

— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) June 4, 2020

Now, in a monumental shift for the professional sporting world, the National Football League is speaking out. 

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said the league was wrong for not listening to players fighting for racial equality and encouraged them to peacefully protest.

One day after 2018 NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes and several of his peers released a videodemanding the league condemn racism, Goodell made his strongest statement on the issues many players passionately support.

George Floyd’s death has ignited nationwide protests over racial injustice and police brutality, issues former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick began speaking out against in 2016 when he started taking a knee during the national anthem.

Goodell’s words were unmistakable.

“First, my condolences to the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and all the families who 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 part of the much needed change in this country.

The commissioner would go on to reiterate his plans to reach out to players and organizations within the league in order to further united the NFL.