BEVERLY HILLS, April 21, (THEWILL) – A sense of justice pervaded the twin fights against racism and police violence and brutality in the United States of America, in particular, and across the globe, in general, on Tuesday, when a guilty verdict was pronounced against former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin on all three counts he faced in the death of George Floyd, on whose neck the policeman knelt until the Black American death.
The world closely followed days of deliberations, as the defense tried to exonerate the policeman but a solid case from the prosecution backed by video and eyewitness evidence left the jury enough material to return a guilty verdict finding Chauvin guilty of unintentional second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.
The verdict constitutes a landmark moment in race relations in the US and will remain a reference point as Persons of Colour (POCs) continue to fight for equality. Protests rocked the entire country in the aftermath of Floyd’s killing, with protesters drawing attention to social injustice and systemic racism in America, particularly in regards to policing.
Many of the leading figures of the protests included athletes from the sports world, the teams they play for and the leagues where their teams feature. It was a community-led effort to make sure like other police-involved violent deaths, this was not swept under the carpet.
Therefore, when Tuesday’s verdict dropped, the reactions it elicited cut across the world of sports and statements from sports personalities lit up the social media space in addition to the thousands of reactions from across the US and abroad.
One of the most outspoken figures in the battle, LeBron James, who has consistently been active on many social issues over the years, weighed in with one simple word following the verdict, through his official Twitter account @KingJames: “ACCOUNTABILITY”
Minnesota Timberwolves Karl-Anthony Towns, who has seen the trial play out in Minneapolis over the past month, also commented through his Twitter account @KarlTowns: “Justice and Accountability! Things I never thought I would see. There’s much more work to do, but this is an amazing start working toward the reform this country NEEDS!”
Other notable sports individuals took to social media as well.
The golfer Bubba Wallace posted through @BubbaWallace: “Justice served on all counts. Good. Still a ton of work to do. Continue to rest peacefully #GeorgeFloyd ✊🏾🙏🏾.”
Atlanta Hawks’ Rayford Trae Young through @TheTraeYoung posted: “WAY MORE WORK TO DO.”
Ryan Clark, American football player, @Realrclark25, made it clear what the judgement was about: “Remember, the jurors only did the right thing. Nothing special, not above & beyond. They held Derek Chauvin accountable for his actions under the law. That was their job, & they did it. We just aren’t use to seeing it. This was the verdict we as a country deserved.”
Emmanuel Acho, Nigerian-American former linebacker who played in the National Football League (NFL) from his account @EmmanuelAcho, also made that point: “You don’t applaud a fish for swimming and you don’t applaud the justice system for providing justice.
“But thankfully, today, we can breathe a sigh of relief. #GeorgeFloyd”
The major sports leagues were not left out as they released statements addressing the result of the trial while also pledging to continue moving justice and equality efforts forward for all those involved.
The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) Executive Director Michele Roberts and the National Basketball Association (NBA) Commissioner Adam Silver released the following joint statement:
“George Floyd’s murder was a flash point for how we look at race and justice in our country, and we are pleased that justice appears to have been served. But we also recognize that there is much work to be done and the National Basketball Association and the National Basketball Players Association, together with our newly-formed Social Justice Coalition, will redouble our efforts to advocate for meaningful change in the areas of criminal justice and policing.”
The National Football League (NFL) shared:
“Today’s outcome in the Derek Chauvin trial in Minneapolis does not undo the loss of life. Mr. George Floyd should be here with us today. Our hearts remain with the Floyd family, and we understand the pain, anger and frustration does not go away even when justice is delivered.
“Importantly, even as we identify reasons for hope, we must continue to help move our society toward a more equal and just tomorrow. We are proud to partner with NFL players and clubs and remain committed to do the important work needed to make positive change in our society.”
The statement of the National Hockey League (NHL) statement following the verdict:
“While we hope the end of the trial offers a chance for healing, we remain committed to actively engaging in the movement for equality and we invite our fans to join us in supporting systemic change.”
Major League Baseball shared:
“In the wake of today’s verdict, Major League Baseball hopes to contribute to the healing process by continuing to work with our players, the MLBPA and The Players Alliance to advance the values of social justice, equality, diversity and inclusion.”
The Women’s NBA, the WNBA, joined with their Commissioner Cathy Engelbert releasing the following statement:
“This past year, we have witnessed traumatizing instances of police brutality that Black Americans disproportionately experience, with the murder of George Floyd at the forefront of the conversation. While this verdict represents a step toward justice, we are reminded that justice is too often not the outcome for people of color.
“The WNBA/ WNBPA Social Justice Council will continue its work to combat injustice and inequality in our country and hope this represents a true turning point for how the effects of systemic racism begin to be addressed. We stand with all those who have felt the deep impact of George Floyd’s death.”
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
