Ravens refuse to be 'sellouts' or 'hypocrites' when it comes to social justice
OWINGS MILLS, Md.— Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti has been a trailblazer when it comes to social justice issues.
He not only allows his players to speak out against racism, he encourages them to take a stand, showing that action speaks louder than words.
Bisciotti and the Ravens organization have donated millions of dollars to organizations striving for equality. The Ravens players have also been outspoken about these issues and promised to help bring about change in their local communities.
Most recently, the team canceled practice Aug. 28 " to perform a team unifying session surrounding social justice reform."
The players are following their owner's lead.
"To say 'stick to sports' is the worst possible thing that you can feel and say," Bisciotti said. "If my players, both white and black, don't speak out about this injustice to their communities, then they're sellouts or hypocrites. If I don't defend my players, then I'm the worst kind of hypocrite."
In June, the franchise posted a video on Twitter, titled “Ravens United” and “Black Lives Matter.”
At the center of the video is newly acquired defensive tackle Calais Campbell, who has been lauded for his community service. Campbell received the 2019 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year for his work with the CRC Foundation that boosts communities through the teaching of critical life skills to youths.
Ravens offensive lineman Ronnie Stanley also vowed to help bring about change in the Baltimore community.
However, this is just the beginning.
The Ravens and professional athletes across all sports are going to take stand for equality and justice throughout their upcoming season. If that makes people uncomfortable, then all the better.
The country has grown weary of this type of mistreatment.
“I’m lucky enough through my ownership of this wonderful franchise to have gotten close enough to these young men to see and hear their hurt,” Bisciotti said. “And all they’re asking for right now is to be heard. And I want to ask you individually, ‘Are you willing to listen?'”
People should be trying hard to listen.
The silence of no games and/or practices can be deafening.
