Weir, Bradbury, Gonzales support equality
Lobo head men post statements on social media
As protests continue throughout the world in response to George Floyd being killed in police custody in Minnesota, several figures in the New Mexico sports community have voiced their support of racial equality.
Recently, University of New Mexico men’s basketball coach Paul Weir, women’s basketball coach Mike Bradbury and football coach Danny Gonzales had statements posted on Twitter.
Here are their statements:
Paul Weir UNM men’s basketball coach From @UNMLobob MBB on Twitter
Sixteen years ago I moved to the United States to study and work for what was intended to be a short period of time. Four cities, three states, the beginning of my own family, and experiences aplenty later I find myself in a position of considerable stature. Like many white men in power, I attributed this ascendance to a myriad of self-made constructs: hard work, sacrifice, meritocracy, subscription to the ideals of the American Dream, and so on. And while some of these notions do have binary effects for all of us to draw on, it is far from living in the same paradigm that women, people of color, and other marginalized populations are expected to ward through. I, like many others, have quietly patted myself on the back for my actions that helped those that have been oppressed during my trajectory. Unfortunately, I now find mnay of these decisions rather impotent in a battle for equality we are all clearly failing.
I have a very long ways to go in understanding myself and the role I play in combating and perpetuating racial injustice. I am not smart enough to have the perfect answer right now on how to fix this. The murder of black men did not happen solely with George Floyd or Ahmaud Arbery, just as racial profiling is not exclusive to Christian
Cooper. I have watched first hand various institutional subjugation processes oppress African Americans my entire career. What is unfolding in our country today should force all of us to alter whatever ways in which we were performing before to change considerably going forward. God has blessed America with some of the greatest gifts on earth. For me, my family, and our team it is absolutely essential we contribute towards solutions that conquer racial injustice and make this country the best it can be.
Sincerely, Paul Weir
Mike Bradbury UNM women’s basketball coach @CoachBradbury
The occurrences in our country have taken a toll on us all in different ways. We have acknowledged and discussed the series of events. We are deeply saddened by such devastation. We 100% support what is right — and that is equality and solidarity of humankind.
We understand that it is an ongoing battle and plan to do our part. Our thoughts and prayers are with not only the Floyd family, but the families of those who have experienced similar tragedy.
Danny Gonzales UNM football coach @CoachGonzUNM
I stand with our players. I am heartbroken over the hurt our black communities are feeling today. I believe in the Power of Prayer!
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” — Martin Luther King Jr.
My message to our team. We will continue to support, to listen, to stand with you. Everyone has the right to feel safe and be protected. Now more than ever is it time use our voice and speak out to eliminate racial injustice! I am committed to being a part of the solution. It’s time for change!