When Colin Kaepernick took a knee while playing the national anthem, he did not protest against the flag, the anthem or those who fought to protect our freedoms. He tried to use police officers to draw attention to the deaths of black Americans.
With anger over the death of Houston-born George Floyd in Minneapolis, the sports world is stepping back to help with the difficult talks necessary to achieve understanding and an end to racism and violence against blacks.
This was the front page of the Houston Chronicle Sunday’s sports section.
In a tweet, University of Texas coach Tom Herman wrote, “We have to find a way to come together and use our voices to take a stand against the terrible abuse of African Americans and all black people.”
“While I can’t pretend I understand the pain the black community is feeling, I want to do my part to bring about the change we are all desperately looking for,” said Jimbo Fisher, Texas A&M head coach, in one Explanation. “This begins with an open and honest dialogue in which everyone can be heard and their feelings supported.”
Fisher is white and about two-thirds of his team are African American.
“We are all different and all shaped by our different experiences. My life was shaped by the many young men of all races and religions whom I was allowed to train, ”he said.
Floyd was a student at Texas A&M in Kingsville.
In a video message posted on Twitter, Texas Christian University coach Gary Patterson said, “We have to do better. I have to do better. We have to be part of the solution. “
“Through our great soccer game, I played with and coached a lot of African American men. While I’m not pretending to walk in their shoes or understand how they feel, I listen and know that one thing is an answer – John 3:12, ”said Matt Wells, Texas Tech University coach on Twitter .
Among the state’s professional sports teams, there have been reactions from the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans, Texas Rangers, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, and others.
Floyd died after a Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck for nine minutes.
A march in Floyd’s honor is scheduled for Tuesday at 3 p.m. in downtown Houston. The event begins at Discovery Green Park and ends at Houston City Hall. Members of Floyd’s family are expected to attend.
Although no arrangements have been made, Floyd’s funeral is expected to take place in Houston.
