NFL committing US$90 million to social justice causes

The NFL is committing US$90 million over the next seven years to social justice causes in a three-segment plan that involves league players.

In a memo sent to the 32 teams on Friday and obtained by The Associated Press, the league unveiled what it calls a new and expanded program of community improvement. The NFL Foundation is putting a $3-million grant into the program.

Each NFL team will contribute to the plan, much of which will be funded through “cause related events and consumer products sales, auctions and other promotional sources.” as well as contributions from clubs.

In a separate memo, Anna Isaacson, the league’s vicepresident for social responsibility, provided details of the program. She noted financial commitments, use of government resources, and promoting community endeavours by the players.

The new initiative comes in response to player demonstrations staged during the national anthem to raise awareness for social issues such as racial inequality. The protests include kneeling during the anthem, an act that has drawn steady criticism from President Donald Trump.

“Social justice may mean different things to different people and organizations,” Isaacson wrote. “The NFL’S work will encompass programs and initiatives that reduce barriers to opportunity, with a priority on supporting improvements in education, community/ police relations and our criminal justice system. Additional focus areas include poverty, racial equality and workforce development.”

NFL owners and executives met with players, who formed a Players Coalition, in October during the league’s fall meetings in New York. There also were extensive phone conversations, NFL spokesman Joe Lockhart said.