Mostly missing were mentions of the nationwide demonstrating, rioting and looting that has occurred in the days after Floyd’s death at the knee of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. The focus instead was on getting all races to invest in eliminating race-based hate.
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Below is a selection of the more insightful and forceful quotes pulled from social media platforms as the anger, frustration and sadness over Floyd’s death remains raw.
Tom Izzo, Michigan State men’s basketball coach
(Statement posted on Michigan State Basketball’s Twitter feed)
Dwane Casey, Pistons coach
(Statement to USA Today Sports)
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Byron Buxton, Twins outfielder
(Posted on his Instagram feed)
Marcus Stroman, Mets pitcher
(Posted on his Twitter feed)
Asher Wojciechowski, Orioles pitcher
(Posted on his Twitter feed)
Bob Huggins, West Virginia men’s basketball coach
(Posted on his Twitter feed)
Matt Painter, Purdue men’s basketball coach
(Posted on his Twitter feed)
Will Muschamp, South Carolina football coach
(Posted on his Twitter feed)
Logan Couture, Sharks forward
(Posted on his Twitter feed in reaction to comments by teammate Evander Kane, who is black)
Blake Wheeler, Winnipeg Jets forward
(Posted on his Twitter feed; emphasis Wheeler’s. Wheeler is a Minnesota native.)
Preston Wilson, ex-MLB player
(Reply posted on his Twitter feed)
Burrow, the first overall selection in this year’s NFL Draft, and Lawrence, the likely first selection in next year’s draft, posted tweets Friday saying that white people, and in particular white athletes like themselves, need to bring their influence to bear on the situation. Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz and ESPN host Jalen Rose have stood out in making similar appeals.
SN’s Mike DeCourcy contributed to this report.
