Atlanta Falcons' reaction to George Floyd protests
Dad (William Carver) and Demi (Demi) are back again.
Well, actually, it’s just Dad.
I felt it would be best for my co-host to sit this one out.
Most of the world is under protest, due to the tragic killing of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd and countless others. The most recent of these killings involved Floyd, who was murdered (either directly or indirectly) by four Minneapolis police officers after a traffic stop on May 25.
This was the breaking point. The world began to protest the next day and hasn’t stopped. People have shown support for Floyd and the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement by various forms of expressing their anger.
The protests, by-in-large, are non-violent, with the exception of some “bad apples” that are rioting and looting.
Many NFL teams and players have shown support by donating money, and by using their social media platforms to promote awareness .
The Atlanta Falcons officials and their players have made contributions and public statements regarding Floyd and the BLM.
Starting at the top, owner Arthur Blank released an official statement on May 30, in which he mentioned systematic racism, unity and the importance of non-violent protesting. However, he never mentioned Floyd or any of the other victims by name nor did he mention what the team might do to fight systematic racism.
One of Blank’s players provided a little more substance.
Matt Ryan.
Unlike Drew Brees, Ryan showed sympathy.
Ryan released the following statement on Instagram: “My heart goes out to all of those who loved George Floyd, and all those who have been impacted by similar tragedies. I know that I cannot fully understand the depth and complexity of these issues because of the color of my skin, which is a sad testament to all of the work we have left to do. I know I an only one man, but I also know I am committed to doing what I can.”
The next day, Ryan followed up this Instagram post with another show of unity for the protesters and their cause.
Ryan is leading by example.
Falcons offensive lineman Kaleb McGary, not so much.
McGary sent out a controversial tweet, comparing rioters to the cops who killed Floyd. He then deleted the tweet. He later released an updated version of his original tweet, but Falcons’ fans had already seen the original tweet.
The damage had been done. Shortly after McGary was trending for all the wrong reasons.
These posts and statements are nice gestures, but are they hollow?
Will teams and players do more once this is over?
How has this impacted me?
I am the son of a white woman, yet I am still a black man. My journey hasn't been the same as my fellow African American brothers, but what I face daily is the same.
My life should matter.
My son’s life should matter.
Black lives should matter.
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