The US National Football League (NFL) has said it was wrong to sanction players that used their platform to highlight racism in recent years.
In a video statement, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said all players were now encouraged to “speak out and peacefully protest.”
His announcement came after a host of NFL stars released a video urging the league to condemn racism in the wake of the killing of George Floyd.
The NFL had previously banned players from taking a knee during the US national anthem – a peaceful protest pioneered by San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick in 2016.
We, the NFL, condemn racism and the systematic oppression of Black People. We, the NFL, admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest. We, the NFL, believe Black Lives Matter. #InspireChange pic.twitter.com/ENWQP8A0sv
— NFL (@NFL) June 5, 2020
In the video posted to the NFL Twitter page, Mr Goodell said: "It has been a difficult time for our country. In particular, black people in our country.
“First, my condolences to the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and all the families who have endured police brutality,” he said.
“We, the NFL, condemn racism and the systematic oppression of black people.
“We, the NFL, admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest. We, the NFL, believe black lives matter.
“I personally protest with you and want to be part of the much needed change in this country.
“Without black players there would be no National Football League and the protests around the country are emblematic of centuries of silence, inequality and oppression of black players, coaches, fans and staff.”
He said the NFL is “listening” and “will be reaching out to players who have raised their voices and others on how we can improve and go forward for a better and more united NFL family.”
People at a Black Lives Matter protest rally outside the US Embassy in Dublin, 01-06-2020.He did not mention Kaepernick, who has been a free agent since 2017.
The 32-year-old last year settled a grievance against the NFL, accusing it of colluding to keep him out of the league.
George Floyd died after police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on the back of his neck for nearly nine minutes in Minneapolis on May 25th.
Video of the incident shows the unarmed Mr Floyd repeatedly telling the policeman “I can’t breathe” before losing consciousness.
People gather for a Black Lives Matter protest in Utrecht, Netherlands, on 05-06-2020. Image: Robin Utrecht/ABACAPRESS.COMThe killing sparked widespread protests across the US and around the world and Kaepernick’s kneeling pose has been widely adopted by the demonstrators.
A Black Lives Matter protest is due to get underway outside the US Embassy in Dublin this afternoon; however, health officials have warned that the gathering could pose a public health risk and have urged people to show their solidarity in other ways.
