Memphis’ Hardaway: ‘I too am outraged’
Memphis basketball coach Penny Hardaway on Monday night broke his silence regarding the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis and announced that he plans to meet with city leaders about enacting change.
“I have not spoken publicly about the most recent deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery, killed at the hands of police officers,” Hardaway said in a statement released by the university. “Along with millions of Americans, I too am outraged and filled with a range of emoanswers tions. Determined to bring about lasting change, I chose not to act on my raw emotions, pausing to internally process this critically important moment in time. Enough is enough!”
Floyd was killed after a police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. His death sparked nationwide protests, including in Memphis, which Tigers guard Lester Quinones posted pictures of himself attending on social media.
“I coach and mentor young people who are hurting, angry and expressing themselves in the only way they know how,” Hardaway said. “They want justice, fairness, and to be treated as human beings. Some are looking to me for and I do not take that lightly. This is why I have been quick to listen and slow to speak.”
Hardaway said that he plans to meet with city officials, corporate CEOS and community leaders in the coming weeks about how he can make a difference.
“I will be seeking ... to discuss real solutions and to lend my voice to help plan courses of action that will bring about lasting and transformative change for not only our city and state, but the entire world,” he said. “Change isn’t easy and it is often painful, but worth it for the greater good of those who want it and, more importantly, those of us who need it.”