Giants speak out on ‘senseless death’ of Floyd
The Giants organization expressed anguish over George Floyd’s “senseless death” in a statement released Tuesday afternoon, commendably promising continued action “for social justice and sustained change.” And running back Saquon Barkley made a strong statement by reposting graphic designer @thekylecyr’s Instagram mock-up of Barkley photoshopped into an all-black uniform with “I CAN’T BREATHE” and a fist on the jersey and his No. 26 on the helmet.
The franchise noticeably used careful language when referring to Floyd’s death. Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was arrested and charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. The statement conspicuously did not mention police brutality or racism by name, either.
But conversely, the Giants did well to keep the focus on society’s injustices and on their commitment to effect change. They did not make the mistake of condemning riots and protests as strongly as the killing that prompted them, as plenty of others’ recent statements have.
“George Floyd’s senseless death is the type of tragedy we have seen too often for far too long,” the Giants’ statement read. “Over the past week, our players and coaches have talked about the hurt, the pain, the frustration and the anger. Each of us is feeling some or all of that.
“We continue to talk about what we can do to help unite and heal and, more importantly, create real opportunity and meaningful change,” the statement continued. “We have a responsibility as citizens to work in a constructive way. What we do to make a difference is what is most important. We have the ability to advocate for social justice and sustained change.”
The entire NFL of course is complicit in the blackballing of Colin Kaepernick, whose kneeling to raise awareness of this very issue was twisted into a misrepresentation of flag disrespect.
Three Giants first knelt in protest in late Sept. 2017: Landon Collins, Damon Harrison and Olivier Vernon. None of them remain on the team.
The Giants concluded their statement promising continued work with local organizations and law enforcement to make a “positive impact.” “We know that to make lasting change, it needs to start at the community level,” the statement said. “That is why we are committed to continuing to strengthen the alliances we have with groups like the Vera Institute of Justice, the Newark Bronze Shields, The Bronx Defenders, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, RISE and our local law enforcement agencies to understand and support each group’s good work. We will continue to expand our relationships where we can have a meaningful, positive impact and make a difference.”