Floyd’s brother backs Raiders after tweet Cavaliers’ Windler out indefinitely

The brother of George Floyd thanked the Las Vegas Raiders for their support after owner Mark Davis issued a statement on Twit- ter that drew backlash following the conviction of a police officer who killed Floyd.

Philonise Floyd issued a statement through the family’s attorney Wednesday, a day after the tweet sent on the team’s official account saying “I CAN BREATHE 4-20-21.”

George Floyd told officers “I can’t breathe” more than 20 times before he was killed when Minneapolis police offi- cer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee into Floyd’s neck last May. Chauvin was convicted of murder and manslaughter Tuesday for caus- ing Floyd’s death.

“On behalf of our family, I would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the Las Vegas Raiders organization and its leadership for their support of our family and for our nation’s ongoing pursuit of justice and equality for all,” Philonise Floyd said. “Now, more than ever, we must come together as one and continue on in this fight. For the first time in almost a year, our family has taken a breath. And I know that goes for so many across the nation and globe, as well. Let’s take this breath together in honor of my big brother who couldn’t. Let’s do it for George.”

The tweet from the Raiders drew backlash on Twitter. The phrase “I can breathe” was used by supporters of police in New York after the death of Eric Garner in 2014. Davis said he wouldn’t have used that phrase if he knew the history but chose not to delete the tweet.

Cavaliersswingman Dylan Windler underwent surgery on his left knee and will be s id elined indefinitely — another blow for the rookie.

A first-round draft pick in 2019, Windler has been slowed by injuries in his young career. His first NBA season was wiped out by a stress fracture in his left leg suffered just before training camp.

He made his pro debut this season but broke his left wrist in the Cavaliers’ opener and was sidelined for a month.

The team said Windler had the knee procedure Tuesday at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. The Cavaliers said the operation was to “address ongoing patella tendinopathy concerns” and came after consultation between Dr. Brian Cole, who performed the surgery, and Dr. James Rosneck, the team physician.

It’s not clear how long Windler will need to recover.

Windler was the No. 26 overall pick two years ago by the Cavaliers, who were intrigued by his shooting ability and versatility after he starred for four seasons at Belmont.

The 24-year-old averaged 5.2 points in 31 games this season.