Players, coaches speak out against injustices
UConn athletes and coaches are speaking out against racial injustice amid widespread protests over the death of George Floyd.
“As a team we are hurting,” read a statement released Sunday by the UConn women’s basketball players. “We feel responsible for speaking out and advocating for our black community and the injustices we face. Racism is not getting worse, it’s getting filmed, and more people are becoming aware of the 400 years of oppression that black people have been subjected to in America.
“We are nauseated by the social injustice and police brutality that is reoccurring toward the black community. So yes, we kneel during the national anthem. Yes, we are rioting. And yes, we are protesting because we are tired of innocent black lives dying at the hands of police officers who do not care about our humanity.”
Floyd, a 46-year-old African American man, died while in the custody of Minneapolis police last Monday. Video showed a white police officer, Derek Chauvin, kneeling on Floyd’s neck for more than eight minutes while Floyd was in handcuffs.
Chauvin, 44, was arrested Friday and charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Three other officers were also fired.
Floyd’s death has spurred protests and riots across the country about the treatment of African Americans by police.
“It’s time for us to start preaching togetherness, justice, and love amongst others,” continued the statement, which urges people not of color for support.
“We are proud to be a team made up of diverse women who will never stop pushing for the most basic human rights for our people. Standing up, fighting for what you believe in, and bringing attention to these injustices is the only way it will progress.”
Guard Christyn Williams shared the statement on Twitter, along with the last line: “AS A TEAM, WE ARE
HERE. WE ARE LISTENING. WE ARE WOKE.”
Forward Olivia NelsonOdoda repeated another part: “Silence is the biggest betrayal right now.”
Head coach Geno Auriemma came out in support of his players on Instagram, writing “I’m really proud of my team. Agree or disagree if you like. But having lived through the 60s, it was young people standing up that brought meaningful change.
“I don’t agree with some of the actions we see playing out. But those are the consequences of being given an opportunity to make changes and disregarding the voices of the people in distress.”
Men’s basketball head coach Dan Hurley released a statement of his own Friday, saying he’s ashamed by the country’s treatment of African Americans.
“Growing up in Jersey
City and growing up around basketball exposed me to so much diversity. I was lucky,” he said. “I wasn’t conditioned to think about people of different ethnic backgrounds as better or worse. We were all just people.
“Changing the culture of social injustice and racial inequality must finally be fully addressed. I have an important role moving forward. As a leader I must use my platform to create change.”
Hurley went on to say that he’s talked with his staff and players about ways they can “impact the communities that need us.”
Guard RJ Cole also made his voice heard, tweeting a photo of himself wearing a shirt with a quote by Martin Luther King Jr.: “WE CANNOT WALK ALONE.”