Right when U.S. professional sports moved towards restarts, the country was facing nationwide protests against police brutality and racial injustice following the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor.
And at the time, some players voiced concerns about how sports could serve as a distraction and take away from the important push for social justice.
On Tuesday, the Detroit Lions were determined to not let that happen.
Instead of holding their scheduled practice for Tuesday, the Lions players addressed the media outside their facility in Allen Park, Mich. As a group, they spoke out against the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha. Wisc. Blake was shot multiple times in the back and left paralyzed, according to his father.
We won't be silent pic.twitter.com/u9FMCYcKez
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) August 25, 2020
After speaking to reporters, Lions players took to Twitter to echo their message that these police shootings of unarmed Black men and women need to stop.
Can’t feel safe in a climate where people who look like me are being attacked and killed in the street. When I leave work, I’m still a BLACK MAN at the end of the day. As a team, we stand united on and off the field. Thankful for all my brothers @Lions https://t.co/S0McHoJrIT
— Will Harris (@Jamahl) August 25, 2020
It’s gotta stop. Multiple trained officers can’t subdue one man? So you shoot him 7 times? BS https://t.co/GFBMbnQidH
— Ty Johnson (@T_Johns6) August 25, 2020
I stand with my brothers!! UNITED!!! ✊🏽🤙🏽 https://t.co/8xQbTlviFo
— Jahlani Tavai (@tavai31) August 25, 2020
— Mal (@jamalagnew) August 25, 2020
TOGETHER. It’s more to life than football. https://t.co/Opw1yE3FfS
— Austin Bryant (@_austinbryant7) August 25, 2020
This country has a problem! And we will not be silent and stand by as it occurs and reoccurs! Proud member of this team✊🏿✊🏿 https://t.co/gsim9exDtf
— Kerryon Johnson (@AyeyoKEJO) August 25, 2020
Can’t be numb to what’s going on. It’s bigger than football. Black lives matter!! https://t.co/l8hdJmchg1
— Romeo Okwara (@RomeoND45) August 25, 2020
Change will come! #Equality #OnePride pic.twitter.com/d1l23mUH5d
— Marvin Hall Jr. (@bigplayhall_A2N) August 25, 2020
✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿✊🏻 https://t.co/pC68G75XN4
— Marvin Jones Jr (@MarvinJonesJr) August 25, 2020
We can’t become numb to it… The world can’t just go on… All lives don’t matter UNTIL Black lives matter .. Love this team ✊🏾 @Lions https://t.co/VsuBUvdzaX
— Amani Oruwariye (@AmaniO) August 25, 2020
— Elijah Lee (@elee_doubleace) August 25, 2020
According to NBC Sports, the Lions had initially pushed practice back to 1:15 p.m. before canceling practice altogether.
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