The Las Vegas Raiders’ “I CAN BREATHE” tweet the NFL franchise sent out — owner Mark Davis took responsibility for it and said he wouldn’t delete it — after the Derek Chauvin verdict on Tuesday felt incredibly tone-deaf given the history of the phrase being used in pro-police protests.
But Philonise Floyd, the brother of George Floyd, doesn’t appear to have a problem with it, and he released a statement of support and his family’s “deepest gratitude” toward the organization on Wednesday.
You’ll recall that Davis said he was using the wording from Philonise, who had said, “Today, we are able to breathe again” after Chauvin was found guilty on all three counts in the murder of George Floyd. And that’s what Philonise cited in his statement:
NEWS ALERT: Philonise Floyd (@FloydPhilonise) has issued a statement responding to this @Raiders tweet about his brother George Floyd. https://t.co/fi4GNIPZXW pic.twitter.com/LP30q9kdoq
— Ben Crump Law, PLLC (@BenCrumpLaw) April 21, 2021
#Raiders owner Mark Davis said the "I Can Breathe" wording came from George Floyd's brother Philonise, who said "Today, we are able to breathe again."
Davis added: "If I offended the family, then I'm deeply, deeply disappointed."
He also said the post won't be deleted.
— Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) April 21, 2021
Before folks hit me: There's nothing wrong with Philonise feeling this way. It becomes an issue, though, for someone who isn't a family member or even a member of the Black community to express emotions of relief with this situation. There's nothing for you to be relieved about. https://t.co/FvAEegx8C9
— Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) April 21, 2021
