Tom Izzo has been an outspoken opponent of racial injustice for years.
Michigan State's legendary basketball coach issued a strong statement Saturday afternoon about the death of George Floyd and the ongoing protests and riots around the country.
"The last few days have been among my most difficult as a coach," Izzo said in a statement released through the program's Twitter account. "The conversations I've had with players and staff, both current and former, have been raw and emotional. I've done a lot of listening and heard a lot of pain in their stories. It's been a struggle for me to find the right words to say. I don't have all the answers _ far from it. But one thing that's certain is that I can't stay silent. ...
"As a white American basketball coach who has been trusted and accepted into African American homes across our country, the racism and injustice I've witnessed has sickened my soul. God bless George Floyd, his family and every American who has been a victim of social injustice across our country."
Taking on racial inequality is nothing new for Izzo. Before the 2017-18 season, with Colin Kaepernick sparking protests and discussion, the Spartans started wearing black warmup shirts with "We talk, we listen" on the front as a way to openly talk about social injustice and divisiveness in America, which Izzo said he was "sick of." He felt it was important to have a unified approach to showing support for each other and those pushing for understanding.
"We felt there were too many people talking and not enough listening," Izzo said in November 2017.
Izzo's statement Saturday came hours after Mel Tucker, MSU's second black football head coach, issued his statement.
Said Izzo: "Over the last few months, we've often heard, 'We're all in this together.' That's never been more true than it is now. If we are going to fight racism, it's a burden we all share, regardless of the color of our skin. We are facing a giant problem, and the solutions aren't easy _ but that can't stop us from trying.
"As a country, we must do better. We can't change the past, but we must start to build a better future _ a future where everyone feels safe and valued.
"Speaking out is important, but the change we desire can't just come from words � it comes from action. We have to call out injustice when we see it. We need to respect and support one another. We must love our fellow human beings!
"For a country that has many wonderful diverse cultures, we have to stand together as Americans. We must stand together for human rights and against racism."
