Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Owner Ross pledges $13M to fight racism
His RISE nonprofit has been influential on national scene
Miami Dolphins owner Steve Ross has pledged to invest $13 million over the next four years into the RISE organization he started after the Bullygate saga of 2013, with the goal of using sports to end systemic racism.
The new financial commitment, which was announced Friday, brings Ross’ total investment in RISE — which stands for Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality — to $30 million.
The national nonprofit, which was started after an NFL investigation found that Richie Incognito’s treatment of Jonathan Martin created a difficult work environment for Martin, has been using sports to educate and empower young people, helping them address racial discrimination, championing social justice and working to improve race relations since 2015.
“Growing up in Detroit, I saw firsthand what racism did to tear apart our community, destroy lives and further inequality,” Ross said in a statement. “I started RISE based on the belief that our nation must address the scourge of racism directly to achieve true unity. Now more than ever, our mission and need for this work is clear.”
RISE is already affiliated with every major professional sports league in North America and works closely with the NCAA to address racism and create an inclusive environment. The nonprofit’s board of directors includes Ross, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and other top executives in sports and media.
The Dolphins already have one of the most diverse NFL franchises.
It is the only organization in the league with a Black head coach and general manager. Chris Grier, who has served as Miami’s GM since 2016, became the team’s top executive on the football side in 2019. Brian Flores, who is of Honduran descent, is entering his second season as head coach.
The Dolphins also have Marvin Allen, who is Black, serving as assistant GM, and Miami has three African Americans (Jason Jenkins, Myles Pistorius and Nat Moore) serving as vice presidents in the organization. The team also has four women (Sam Coghill, stadium operations; Kimberly Rometo, chief information officer; Laura Sandall, marketing; and Jamie Weinstein, premium & membership services) serving as vice presidents on the business side.
Over the next four years, RISE will continue empowering inclusive leadership and expand partnerships across communities with organizations such as NASCAR, the National Lacrosse League, PGA of America, Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association, the Unities States Tennis Association and USA Track & Field.
In recent weeks, protests triggered by the deaths of George Floyd, Brianna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery encouraged the NFL to commit $250 million over the next 10 years to support social justice programs and pledge to promote key causes on its media platforms. Ross’ work through RISE is separate from the NFL’s commitment.
“During this time of national unrest, many individuals have stepped up to being part of the solution,” said Troy Vincent, the NFL’s executive vice president of football operations. “Steve continues to dedicate his time, resources and vision, as he has for decades, in an unwavering commitment to ending racism in partnership with the leadership, heart and influence of athletes globally.”