One Year After The Death Of George Floyd, The Sports World Reacts
One year later, the reverberations of George Floyd’s death are still having an impact across America, including in the world of sports. At the time of Floyd’s death, sports leagues nationwide reacted by postponing or cancelling games, staging demonstrations and offering financial support to Black Lives Matter and other affiliated organizations.
Now, on the anniversary of Floyd’s death, every major professional sports league in the county has issued statements voicing continued support for the Black Lives Matter movement and police and social justice reform as a whole.
NBA Statement:
“One year ago, the killing of George Floyd advanced a global reckoning around systemic racism and inspired a movement for social justice. Today and every day, members of the NBA family stand united in working for change and a future that provides true equality.”
— NBA (@NBA) May 25, 2021
The NBA was at the forefront of the Black Lives Matter movement after Floyd’s death. During the NBA restart in Orlando, Florida, NBA players made a point of discussing social justice issues as well as policing in minority communities. The courts in Orlando were plastered with BLM messaging, and the league allowed social justice messaging on the back of players jerseys.
While the 2020 season will be remembered as the most difficult season in the history of The Association, it will also be remembered as one where players forced the league’s hand to be more vocal on a cause they care deeply about.
On August 26, 2020, the Milwaukee Bucks made the league’s biggest statement by refusing to take the court for their game against the Orlando Magic after the shooting of Jacob Blake — an event that left players publicly questioning whether the league should continue their season amid unrest in the country. Ultimately, the players decided to finish the season after coming to an agreement that there would be a renewed focus on voting, and the NBA would allow their arenas to be used as polling sites for the 2020 elections.
WNBA Statement:
“Today marks one year since the murder of George Floyd, and one year of concerted and collective action toward a more just future for all Americans. The WNBA family continues to advocate for social justice, and to represent a voice for the voiceless to make a meaningful difference.”
— WNBA (@WNBA) May 25, 2021
Much like the NBA, the WNBA also led the way for social justice awareness after Floyd’s death. After hearing of the Bucks plan to sit-out their game against the Magic, WNBA players followed suit and opted not to play after the Blake shooting.
WNBA players were among the first to wear warm-up shirts with social justice messaging and also were among the first in kneeling for the national anthem.
NFL Statement:
“As we mark one year since the murder of Geroge Floyd, out thoughts are with the Floyd family and all who have been affected by his death. This has been a year filled with reflection and reckoning, and that has renewed our commitment to build and strengthen our communities. The work for equitable justice must continue and the nFL and its clubs are proud to work alongside NFL players to build a more just society. #InspireChange”
— NFL (@NFL) May 25, 2021
The National Football League had been tied to the social justice movement long before Floyd’s death with San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick kneeling for the national anthem to protest police brutality starting in 2016.
Shortly after Floyd’s death, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell put out a a video apologizing to the players for not doing a better job of listening to their concerns over racial inequality.
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 pic.twitter.com/ENWQP8A0sv
— NFL (@NFL) June 5, 2020
The league has since pledged to donate $250 million over a 10-year period to “combat systemic racism and support the battle against the ongoing and historic injustices faced by African Americans.”
NHL Statement:
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman wrote an op-ed remembering the day and discussing the ways in which the NHL continues to grow from Floyd’s death. A portion of the op-ed can be seen below.
Today marks one year since George Floyd’s murder, a tipping point for our society across issues of racism, social justice, representation and equality. In many ways, this tragedy acted as an accelerant within the sports world, pushing us to use our platforms and influence to stand for what is right.
The NHL’s history of tackling these issues, perhaps at times, appeared awkward and uncomfortable. But we are evolving – as individuals, as an organization and as a sport – trying to lead and become part of the solution to challenges that permeate our society, affect hockey’s culture and directly impact our business, employees, players and fans. Our Players and team and League personnel no longer desire to ‘shut up and play hockey’ — they do not accept the status quo as the best we can offer to all those who love this game – especially those who have not felt fully welcomed in the past.
We believe that our contribution to this movement must start from within. Our aspiration to make hockey for everyone can only be achieved if we allow hockey culture to be created by everyone. Our greatest contributions in the future will not come through performative acts, but through substantive undertakings within leadership development, education, employment, marketing, partnerships, youth participation and community and civic engagement. We have developed new strategies, structures, councils and committees to evolve the way we do business in all these areas and we continue to engage, support and galvanize our most critical stakeholders.
The NHL also posted the following conversation on Twitter between Mark Fraser — Player Development, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion for the Toronto Maple Leafs — and Erik Gudbranson — Nashville Predators defenseman.
One year later, the movement continues. Mark Fraser (@MarkFraser02) and Erik Gudbranson (@Guddy44) sit down for a conversation about what has changed – and what still needs to change – since the murder of George Floyd. pic.twitter.com/RONSUA57lQ
— NHL (@NHL) May 25, 2021
Six days after Floyd died, the NHL put out a statement acknowledging its “shortcomings.”
“We share the sentiments expressed by our players and Clubs in their calls for justice, and we encourage everyone to use their platforms and privilege for systemic change. In our own sport, we will continue to do better and work diligently toward culture change throughout hockey and endeavor to be mindful of our own shortcomings in this process.”
The NHL matched a $50,000 donation from New Jersey Devils defenseman P.K. Subban to George Floyd’s daughter in June, and has invested heavily in its diversity and inclusion training.
MLB Statement:
“One year after George Floyd’s murder, our hearts remain with his family. We are committed to honoring his memory by engaging our communities and taking concrete action to invoke change for social justice.”
— MLB (@MLB) May 25, 2021
Major League Baseball was widely criticized for the amount of time it took for the league to put out a statement after Floyd’s death (nine days). MLB went on to pledge $1 million to organizations in support of Black Lives Matter.
Tonight Theo Epstein and @MLB baseball operations leaders stood united for change in announcing more than $1 million in donations to organizations that believe #BlackLivesMatter. pic.twitter.com/VVZBypd3IN
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) June 11, 2020
Joe Morgan is the Sports Reporter for The Daily Wire. Most recently, Morgan covered the Clippers, Lakers and the NBA for Sporting News. Send your sports questions to [email protected].
The views expressed in this piece are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.
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