NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has released a statement on behalf of the league on Friday acknowledging that quote, “we were wrong” in handling the issue of player protest. 

This statement comes 10 days after protests continue to take place throughout the country in the aftermath of George Floyd's death, a grim reminder of police brutality, and the social injustice taking place in the nation. Goodell said quote, "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."

He went on to say that without black players there would be no National Football League. Goodell says he will personally protest with players and wants to be a part of the much-needed change in this country.