Just as I did with athletes speaking out against the Muslim Ban, I’m compiling a list of pro athletes who have voiced their opposition and anger at the Charlottesville fascist rally.
Pro athletes are constantly admonished to “shut up and play” and often have a lot to lose by making their voices heard on political issues. But just like banning and vilifying a whole group based on religion, it shouldn’t be hard to come out strongly against the Charlottesville white supremacist rally and violence. White athletes in particular need to step up and say “not in my name” — there aren’t nearly enough speaking out. I’ll be adding athletes comments here as they add their own voices of protest.
Chris Long, Philadelphia Eagles defensive end:
Insanely frustrating. Evolution will favor the self assured… not man babies with tiki torches or people playing “militia” Link
Sean Doolittle, Washington Nationals pitcher:
“People say “if we don’t give them attention they’ll go away.” Maybe. But if we don’t condemn this evil, it might continue to spread.” Link
Megan Rapinoe, Seattle Reign FC midfielder:
“This thread. Are we ok with this? White people, are we ok wth this??? https://twitter.com/JuliusGoat/status/896326301832925184” Link
Eric Reid, San Francisco 49ers safety:
“It’s important to discuss the issues that we have in our country. I think it’s becoming more and more apparent. Maybe people didn’t see what the black community saw when me and Colin were doing our protests, and other players were doing (their) protests, last year. I think it’s more apparent now after this past weekend.” Link
Nneka Ogwumike, Los Angeles Sparks forward:
“We just want to stand united in lieu of the socio-political climate, just to remind everyone that it’s important to stay together in the midst of some tumultuous times. I think there’s a lot of people that have a lot of opinions, but when it comes to discrimination, that’s just not what we’re about.” Link
Natasha Cloud, Washington Mystics guard:
“This league, we want to use our voices, we want to use our platform, to send the message that we accept and love every person,” she said. “It doesn’t matter what color you are, what religion you are, what sexual preference you have. Across the board, we’re human. We’re all supposed to be loved and respected.”
“It’s terrible, the state with which our country is in right now. Things need to change. When things from the top — from the President — are unjust and unfair and demeaning and disrespectful, it trickles down to a low percentage, but it’s still a percentage in our country,”
“And if it doesn’t get handled, I’m scared for where we’re headed. There’s going to be retaliation eventually if something isn’t done from a higher power — our President. He needs to get off his ass and do something.” Link
Jeremy Lin, Brooklyn Nets guard:
“#Charlottesville makes me sick…what world are we living in rn?!?” Link
Michael Bennett, Seattle Seahawks defensive end, on sitting down for national anthem:
“Seeing everything in Virginia and stuff that is going on, I just wanted to be able to use my platform to continuously speak out on injustice.”
Link
Enes Kanter, Oklahoma Thunder forward:
America only needs one torch
It’s bigger and brighter than yours #Charlottesville Link
Garrett Temple, Sacramento Kings guard:
“Wake up people #charlottesville #racism” Link
LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers forward:
“It’s sad what’s going on in Charlottesville. Is this the direction our country is heading? Make America Great Again huh?! He said that” Link
“I know there’s a lot of tragic things happening in Charlottesville. I have this platform and I’m somebody that has a voice of command, and the only way for us to get better as a society and for us to get better as people is love. And that’s the only way we’re going to be able to conquer something as one.”
“It’s not about the guy that’s the so-called president of the United States, or whatever the case. It’s not about a teacher that you don’t feel like cares about what’s going on with you every day. It’s not about people that you just don’t feel like want to give the best energy and effort to you. It’s about us. It’s about us looking in the mirror. Kids all the way up to the adults. All of us looking in the mirror and saying, ‘What can we do better to help change?’ And if we can all do that and give 110 per cent, then that’s all you can ask for.
“So, shout-out to the innocent people in Charlottesville and shout-out to everybody across the world that just want to be great and just want to love. Thank you, and I love you all.” Link
Chris Conley, Kansas City wide receiver:
“Hate is learned, hence hate is taught. Love can be learned also. It’s sad to see so many people who think this country is only for ‘them’. Even sadder is today is the first day some people are acknowledging the ugly head of hatred and racism.
“It’s been here. Some of us have experienced it all the while. And in public ignorance this hatred has grown and festered. The loss of life today is tragic. Maybe this will wake some and unite others to see what people have been talking about for some time.” Link
Bart Scott, Former NFL linebacker:
“It comes back to business, which I don’t even understand, especially in the wake of Charlottesville this week, how people don’t understand what he [Colin Kaepernick] was doing was even more important.
“Hopefully people look at it differently, because I think what happened in Charlottesville this week is going to inspire more athletes to say, ‘Hold up, wait, we’re going backward as a country, not forward.’ These people didn’t even put masks on! Some of these people are professors. How are you going to teach these people? If they’re that bold to march with their faces out, something needs to be done.” Link
Eli Harold, San Francisco 49ers linebacker:
“I was shocked, my three years there, I never experienced anything like that. But seeing that on TV, it was horrific. It upset me. I had people coming up to me saying, ‘What’s happening in Charlottesville? I can’t believe you went to that school.’ I don’t understand it. But people from Charlottesville were like, ‘It’s not us. It’s people that came from outside the area.’ ”
“One protester from Ohio allegedly drove a car into counter-protesters, killing a 32-year-old woman from Charlottesville. He faces numerous charges, including second-degree murder. I just don’t understand why the world is still this way,” Harold said. “It’s 2017. You’d think those days are over. It’s the world we live in. Not everyone is good.” Link
Danny Kanell, former NFL QB:
“These
#Charlottesville dudes are the lowest scum of our society. Their hate speech is disgusting and vial [sic].” Link
Kyle Martino, soccer analyst and retired American soccer player:
“My 2 years @ UVA were 2 of my best. Shocked & horrified to see what’s happening. Love shall overcome the hate that’s trespassing on C’Ville” Link
Malcolm Jenkins, Philadelphia Eagles safety:
“Today would’ve been a good time to use your “fire and fury like the world has never seen” Don’t tell me you’re getting soft on terrorism now” Link
Tyrone Crawford, Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle:
“They are laughing at our generation right now. I’m sitting here thinking about the things we could do, in the positions that we are in. Learning from the ones that came before us. Everything from the mistakes, to the success that came before us. We should be the best generation there is. We should be able to change this country. S***, even the world. Out with the old, and in with the new. We have no choice but to come together. Racism should be dead by now, there’s no reason for people to hate. Show love and let’s get better. Let’s all strive to stop looking into the rearview mirror, and the past and let’s go forward into a brighter future filled with love. Let’s help make everyone’s lives be better. Knowledge is power and we have more ways than ever to advance ourselves. Pick up books, learn new skills to get where you want to be in life to make you happy. If you can’t see it by now, they’re trying to tear us apart and we are letting it happen. Some people may not care, but we should care. If not for ourselves, then for our kids and future generations. I love this country… The United States of America! I love my American wife and I look forward to raising our kids here one day. So I am sorry for the long rant. I never do this. But it’s something I had to get off my chest. I know it’s easier said than done but they are looking at us to fail. There are countries and cultures looking from the outside in that want us to fail. But we can’t let that happen and it starts with OUR GENERATION. Let’s step up to those who doubt us! That’s all from me tho. May God bless everyone! —Wanting more for our future generations, Tyrone Crawford.”
Harrison Barnes, Dallas Mavericks forward:
“Sad but not surprised by what’s happening in VA. Painful reminder that we need to stay woke & continue organizing against racism & hatred” Link
Let me know if there are any I’ve missed or as new athletes speak up here or on Twitter: @darrenpuscas
——
[Heads up— my new baseball and politics site is coming in Fall 2017.]