It took a minute, but the NFL is now seeing the err in their stance regarding protests against police brutality and racism.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell released a video on social media admitting that the league responded wrongly to the kneeling protests of its players led by former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick in 2016.
“We, the National Football League, condemn racism and the systematic oppression of black people,” he said. “We, the National Football League, admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all players to speak out and peacefully protest. We, the National Football League, believe that black lives matter.”
Goodell continued, “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 pros around the country are emblematic of the centuries of silence, inequality and oppression of black players, coaches, fans and staff.”
“Protests around the country are emblematic of the centuries of silence, inequality and oppression of black players, coaches, fans and staff,” said Goodell. “I will be reaching out to players who have raised their voices and others on how we can improve.”
