“To watch a man be murdered by a uniformed police officer kneeling on a man’s throat for nine minutes while three uniformed police officers either assisted or stood by watching is disturbing in too many ways.”-Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis
Raiders owner Mark Davis has issued a statement on the "Murder Of George Floyd" and the resulting civil unrest, saying, "Emotions Are High.. The Temperature Is Hot.. And There's Static In The Air.. But Burning Your Brothers'… https://t.co/HfUa5P5vLC pic.twitter.com/h9otMKiNoz
— Paul Gutierrez (@PGutierrezESPN) June 1, 2020
Historically Diverse E.O.E.
The Raiders have been the NFL’s pioneers when it comes to equal opportunity practices. The late Al Davis hired the first minority head coaches: One Hispanic, one African-American and the first female CEO. Growing up the son of an NFL owner and legend, (Mark) Davis was left with large shoes to fill. It has also instilled in him a caring and compassion for his fellow man.
Davis doesn’t mention a single color, or race in his statement about the events surrounding the murder of George Floyd. Rather than chastise the protests, Davis sympathizes the oppressed and the victims of looting and vandalism.
But burning your brothers’ house down is ultimately not the answer. Not only do we have to tell people something is wrong…
Related; What happened to the Raiders mystique
Trying times
Davis said he would continue to support #Raiders players: "If they have something to say, I’ll stand beside them. I won’t stand behind them; I’ll stand beside them. And if there’s something I don’t know, I’m happy to listen to them. We’ve got to find a solution.â€
— Paul Gutierrez (@PGutierrezESPN) June 1, 2020
When Colin Kaepernick took a knee, it was the end of the world across the NFL landscape. The 45th president of the United States alluded to him no longer being welcomed in this country. “maybe he should find a country that works better for him,” said Donald J. Trump.
Ultimately, Kaepernick was paid to go away with dirt thrown on his name, and his message lost in false narrative. How dare he protest police brutality by taking a knee, or wear pig socks, grow his hair and advise young people of color to “know your rights.”
Four years later, We are burying the body of yet another unarmed person of color who was murdered by a caucasian police officer. This time, rather than taking a knee, people have had it and have taken to the streets. Protesting, rioting, setting fires, they are giving the unheard a voice.
Glad I can just hit up coach Gruden, Mayock, and Mark Davis and have an open dialogue about anything A-Z
— Trent Brown (@Trent) June 1, 2020
Raiders: Finding answers
For too long, racial inequality has run rampant, with nobody wanting to take on the issue. NFL owners usually care most about their bottom line and perception. Rocking the boat and upsetting the revenue stream borders on sacrilege.
Davis grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area in the 1960’s. He has been immersed in some of the most historical social activist movements since childhood. The words of Davis are the embodiment of where we are as a society, and extremely culturally aware. It is refreshing to see an NFL owner who is still sympathetic to the plight of the racially oppressed.
Leadership is a value which is coveted in all aspects of sports. Compassion for your fellow man is a trait that true leaders possess. Davis’ players believe in him and his organizational staff. A man whom his players know will have their backs no matter what, and to whom they can come to with any problems. Because…
We have to come up with solutions, that is the challenge in front of us. Not only as Americans. But as human beings.
You May Also Like: Ramifications of The NFL’s tweaks to the Rooney Rule,
Top Photo: David Zalubowski/Associated Press