In the wake of the worldwide protests against injustice and police brutality following the death of George Floyd, and a day after several NFL stars called on the league to take a stand, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell addressed the concerns of fans and players in a video posted on Friday, and admitted that the NFL has mishandled racial issues in the past.
Seemingly acknowledging the league’s handling of anthem protests sparked by Colin Kaepernick in 2016 without specifically mentioning the protests, Goodell admitting that the league was “wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier.” Goodell assured players that he is listening, and vowed to talk to players who have spoken out about how the NFL can be improved.
“It has been a difficult time for our country, in particular [for] black people in our country. First, my condolences to the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and all the families who have endured police brutality. We, the National Football League, condemn racism and the systematic oppression of black people. We, the National Football League, admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier, and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest. We, the National Football League, believe black lives matter.
I personally protest with you and want to be part of the much needed change in this country. Without black players, there would be no National Football League, and the protests around the country are emblematic of the centuries of silence, inequality, and oppression of black players, coaches, fans and staff. We are listening. I am listening, and I will be reaching out to players who have raised their voices and others on how we can improve and go forward for a better and more united NFL family.”
