New York Jets issue public statement on national protests

In the wake of current events, the New York Jets have called for unity in a statement released on the team’s social media accounts.

The New York Jets have issued a statement in the wake of the ongoing nationwide protests against police brutality and injustice. These protests have occurred in all 50 states after video emerged of a white Minneapolis police officer kneeling on the neck of George Floyd for nearly nine minutes during an arrest. An independent autopsy has ruled Floyd’s subsequent death a homicide and the four officers involved in the incident have since been fired and are facing charges.

Their statement, released on Wednesday, called for unity and also extended a promise to part of the solution to systematic racism.

“We have seen the many protests around the country,” the statement reads in part. “In our own cities and neighborhoods which represent an expression of the passion, anguish, and real-life impact of the social and racial injustices that continue to exist in our society. After years of so many tragedies which brought us to this point, we need to also focus on the powerful images of protestors and law enforcement working together in efforts to connect. America is a place where meaningful change can be achieved if we all work together to address the root causes and remedies for these problems.”

“We will not waste this opportunity to create programs and partnerships of which we, along with the community, can look back on years from now and be proud.”

The Jets’ statement also reveals that players, coaches, and management met on Monday to discuss their “ability to unite (their) communities”.

“We spoke about this unique moment in time, how we need to use our powerful platform toward positive change,” the statement read. “We must raise awareness and address the serious inequities which we have been painfully reminded still exist.”

Jets players have individually taken to Twitter to express their thoughts. Safety Jamal Adams released a statement of his own on Monday night, sending condolences to the families of Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, African-Americans who were each killed in racist hate crimes.

“They’re more than just hashtags,” Adams said in an emotional statement. “It’s disgusting that we don’t have time to deal with our trauma before the next tragedy. We can’t let these conversations die and cant’ forget those we’ve lost. Stop killing us. This isn’t just a political issue, this is about the morality of our nation. We all have a part to play!” Adams later criticized New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, who said he would “never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States of America or our country” when asked about the potential of players kneeling in a protest demonstration during the national anthem during the upcoming season. Such demonstrations were started by former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who has not been signed by an NFL team since his release after the 2016 season.

Running back Le’Veon Bell has likewise spoken on social media.

Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags