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These NHL players have spoken out about racism and the death of George Floyd

By Brennin Weiswerda

 37 Comments

May 30, 2020 11:58 pm

George Floyd died on May 25, after a police officer knelt on his neck for more than eight minutes. His death has sparked sorrow and protests across the country, demanding meaningful change. While many high-profile athletes have shared their opinions on the event, including LeBron James and Colin Kaepernick, the NHL has been relatively quiet.

Two Black players, JT Brown and Evander Kane, were the first to speak up. In an interview with ESPN’s First Take, Kane called on other high profile athletes “like Tom Brady and Sidney Crosby” to do something.

“We need so many more athletes–that don’t look like me–speaking out about this,” he said, “having the same amount of outrage that I have inside, and using that to voice their opinion, to voice their frustration, because that’s the only way it’s going to change.”

Since that time, more NHL players–both white and Black–have added their voices to the call for change. Here’s who they are and what they had to say.

JT Brown

JT Brown–the only NHL player ever to protest racism during the anthem–asked thought-provoking questions about the place and purpose of protests, starting with, “What would you do to prevent your murder?”

Previously, he addressed the issue of whether the officers involved would be charged. Since that time, one of the four officers has been charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. According to the BBC, the country prosecutor “said he ‘anticipates charges’ for the other three officers.”

Brown is also donating to the Minnesota Freedom Fund.

PK Subban

PK Subban, a Black Canadian who plays for the New Jersey Devils, tweeted a quote from Tupac Shakur, which read “It’s not black against white. When I say ‘we,’ it’s the good against the evil.”

Malcolm Subban

Malcolm Subban, PK’s brother and a goaltender for the Chicago Blackhawks, shared this Martin Luther King quote.

K’Andre Miller

Rangers prospect K’Andre Miller is “the only African-American player in the New York Rangers’ organization.” He’d didn’t even get through his introductory press conference without being subjected to racist slurs. He spoke about the pain of that experience, contrasting it with how good he felt at the NHL draft, since “For that one moment in time I didn’t have to be defined by the color of my skin but rather on my hockey skills, athletic ability and character.”

His account of growing up as a hockey player and person of color is especially important in hockey, which has so little racial diversity. “I have been targeted because of my race when I was in youth hockey by some coaches, parents and players,” he wrote, “but I refused to give up because of my love for the game.”

The full text reads:

I’ve struggled for months to find the words to express my frustration and anger over the Zoom conference call incident when I was to be introduced after signing my NHL contract. It’s something that I won’t ever forget. But with COVID19 taking a stranglehold on the nation, it seemed like there were so many other priorities in the world, that it wasn’t my place to speak out about that incident. This pandemic Isn’t discriminatory, it has been difficult for everyone and the priority was to keep everyone safe.

Now, in the midst of the senseless death of George Floyd, at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer, the peaceful protests and violent riots have become the focus for all of us. I want to express my growing concern for the safety of our citizens of color, specifically in my home state, given recent events. I support the Black Lives Matter movement.

I struggle because I’ve never been fully accepted by either the black community or the white community. I struggle because for years I have been one of the only people of color on my hockey teams. I have been targeted because of my race when I was in youth hockey by some coaches, parents and players, but I refused to give up because of my love for the game.

You can only imagine how it felt to have an organization like the New York Rangers draft me, the hockey player. For that one moment in time I didn’t have to be defined by the color of my skin but rather on my hockey skills, athletic ability and character. This is how it should be all the time. It’s time for action, time for change and once and for all, it’s time to let black people be judged based on who we are not what we look like.

K’Andre Miller

Auston Matthews

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews, who finished the season with the third-most goals in the NHL, spoke about this Latino American heritage and demanded change.

The full text reads:

As a Latino American it is impossible for me to understand and fathom what others endure.

My thoughts and prayers go out to all those who have lost loved ones and who have endured pain and suffering due to hateful racist attitudes and beliefs.

The world must unite not divide. We need to stand together in support of justice, love, and peace for all. We need change.

Ty Ronning

New York Rangers prospect Ty Ronning, who currently plays for the Hartford Wolf Pack in the AHL, posted a picture of a protester holding up a sign and included the text, “REST IN POWER GEORGE FLOYD.”

Kyle Turris

Kyle Turris, who plays for the Nashville Predators, spoke about the issue, specifically framing it as a problem that affects everyone, not just people of color.

Logan Couture

Logan Couture, captain of the San Jose Sharks and one of Evander Kane’s teammates, shared his thoughts.

The full text reads:

I don’t know how to properly write this message. First of all, I applaud Evander for speaking the truth. Racism exists in society, it also exists in hockey. That’s a fact. Growing up in this game is a privilege. At times I think most of us have been at fault for turning a blind eye when it comes to racism. It cannot continue. I’ve had the opportunity to play with some incredible teammates. Black, white, all colors. Getting to listen to them talk about things they have gone through in hockey/life is eye opening. As a society and as hockey players we are only scraping the surface in fixing what desperately needs fixing. Thanks to Akim and Evander for speaking so loudly about this issue. We all need to learn, we all need to love each other regardless of skin color.

Blake Wheeler

Blake Wheeler, the captain of the Winnipeg Jets, tweeted about the issue twice. Once, retweeting to amplify someone else’s voice, and once sharing his more in-depth reaction, especially as someone who grew up in Minneapolis.

The full text reads:

I’ve wanted to say something for a while, but it’s been really difficult knowing what to say. My hometown is burning. Businesses where I grew up are being boarded up. America is not ok. Growing up outside of Minneapolis I always felt sheltered from racism. That’s because I was. Most people I grew up with looked like me. I never had to be scared when I stopped at a traffic light or saw the police in public. My kids will never know that fear either. I’m heartbroken that we still treat people this way. We need to stand with the black community and fundamentally change how the leadership in this country has dealt with racism. I’m sorry is has taken this long, but I’m hopeful we can change this NOW. George Floyd’s life mattered. Ahmaud Arbery’s life mattered. So did every other life that has been lost by this senseless violence and racism.

Brian Boyle

Brian Boyle of the Florida Panthers said that while he (a white person) “can’t even imagine this pain,” he also acknowledged that we have all seen these kinds of things happen before, adding, “What we need to see is change. We need to see it stop.”

Nolan Patrick

Reporter Steph Driver shared a screenshot of Flyers’ forward Nolan Patrick’s Instagram story, where he had shared some of Floyd’s last words.

The full text reads:

“Please I can’t breathe.
My stomach hurts.
My neck hurts.
They’re going to kill me.”
George Floyd
Say my name.

Mark Scheifele

The Winnipeg Jets’ forward Mark Scheifele posted a video about not turning away from racism, as well as a Bible verse and a personal message, to his Instagram.

Max Domi

The Montreal Canadiens’ Max Domi shared the same video on his Twitter account.

Connor Carrick

Defenseman Connor Carrick, a former Capital who currently plays for the New Jersey Devils, shared a message on his Instagram story and Twitter account.

The full text reads:

Our Nation’s Culture
Is the sum of all the actions and inactions of all the people who consist of our country. Where have we failed the Black Community? Where have we failed to engage wrongful behavior where passive ignorance was more convenient? What is the fabric of our Culture?

George Floyd + Ahmaud Arbery, and there are many more, deserve more, deserve better. Racism is alive and well in the shadows of our country, and as we believed was not true, also in the clear light of day. I will not bear witness further to the Degradation of human life. People are dying. Families are being robbed of their loved ones presence and gifts. Mr. Floyd had his life sucked out of him. Mr. Arbery was blatantly hunted.

We must see, acknowledge, listen to the struggle of minorities. We must hear the Generational Hurt and sit with what we morally look like in the Mirror when we examine more closely. We must change individually to foster change nationally. We must celebrate, champion, lift those in life fighting a battle more difficult than our own. Empathy, Inclusion, Open Mindedness, Open Heartedness, are these values of our nation’s people? Or do we leave these in childhood, to survive more harsh adulthood, to live in the “real world…” May we all examine where we have failed each other, create knowing of how we went wrong, and practice improving our communities Human Being by Human Being.

My Hands are sweaty as I question if my words are adequate to make progress towards improving a problem so grave, of such scale. But I know to my bones this, I can make a difference. No matter how small, we all can. And I hope that we all Will.

With Love, and Sorrow,
Connor Carrick

Nick Foligno

Columbus Blue Jackets captain Nick Foligno wrote a powerful note on Notepad and published the screenshot of it on his Twitter account.

The full text reads:

I’ve thought a lot about what’s gone on the past week and prayed about it. How we, as humans, have gotten to this point. The silence that has gone on for so long is now deafening! The oppression that so many face is heartbreaking. I will never pretend to understand your pain however I will promise to better myself and continue to listen and educate myself and my children so that this moment in time will be looked back on and remembered as when the world started to heal and come together. It starts with me because I believe what the great Mahatma Gandhi said and that is….. “Be the change you wish to see in the world!”

Kurtis Gabriel

Kurtis Gabriel, a member of the Philadelphia Flyers organization who has also been an ardent supporter of the LBGTQ+ community, has tweeted and retweeted extensively about the issue on his account.

Anze Kopitar

Anze Kopitar, the captain of the LA Kings, shared this text on his Twitter account.

Devante Smith-Pelly

Devante Smith-Pelly, a former Capital who now plays in the KHL, shared this on his Instagram. The link in his bio leads to a site that educates and assists people on ways they can easily get involved in a variety of ways. He is also one of three NHL players who declined to go to the White House after winning the Stanley Cup because of the president’s “racist and sexist” things he’s said.

Mike Green

Former Capitals defenseman shared several Instagram posts to his Instagram Story including a note from Oprah and a picture that says Black Lives Matter.

Zdeno Chara

Future Hall of Fame defenseman Zdeno Chara took to his Instagram Story to share a message from New Balance, one of his sponsors.

The full text reads:

Today, we’re finding a voice to advocate on issues about which we cannot be silent.

No one should live with the fear and perpetual injustice faced daily by communities of color across the United States and around the world.

We stand with our entire roster of athletes, ambassadors, and all of our global associates in demanding justice for the wrongful death of George Floyd and far too many others.

We’re asking that our partners and community engage with not just words, but peaceful action.

To start, join us in supporting the petition for Justice for George Floyd.

On Friday, the Bruins shared a photo of Chara marching in a protest.

Anthony Duclair

Ottawa Senators forward Anthony Duclair tweeted to his followers that “WE all have a voice, use it. Help create an environment where WE can all be treated equally.”

Jonathan Toews

Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews posted a lengthy statement to his Instagram account, accompanying a powerful video that has been circulating that shows Black men talking with great passion about the place of protest and the generational cost of combating racism.

“Listen to these two men debate,” Toews wrote. “They are lost, they are in pain. They strived for a better future but as they get older they realize their efforts may be futile. They don’t know the answer of how to solve this problem for the next generation of black women and men. This breaks my heart.”

View this post on Instagram

A lot of people may claim these riots and acts of destruction are a terrible response. I’ll be the first to admit that as a white male that was also my first reaction. But who am I to tell someone that their pain is not real? Especially when it is at a boiling point and impossible to hold in anymore. It’s obviously coming from a place of truth. This reaction isn’t coming out of thin air. I’m not condoning or approving the looting, but are we really going to sit here and say that peaceful protesting is the only answer? There has been plenty of time for that, and if it was the answer we would’ve given it our full attention long ago. Listen to these two men debate. They are lost, they are in pain. They strived for a better future but as they get older they realize their efforts may be futile. They don’t know the answer of how to solve this problem for the next generation of black women and men. This breaks my heart. I can’t pretend for a second that I know what it feels like to walk in a black man’s shoes. However, seeing the video of George Floyd’s death and the violent reaction across the country moved me to tears. It has pushed me to think, how much pain are black people and other minorities really feeling? What have Native American people dealt with in both Canada and US? What is it really like to grow up in their world? Where am I ignorant about the privileges that I may have that others don’t? Compassion to me is at least trying to FEEL and UNDERSTAND what someone else is going through. For just a moment maybe I can try to see the world through their eyes. Covid has been rough but it has given us the opportunity to be much less preoccupied with our busy lives. We can no longer distract ourselves from the truth of what is going on. My message isn’t for black people and what they should do going forward. My message is to white people to open our eyes and our hearts. That’s the only choice we have, otherwise this will continue. Let’s choose to fight hate and fear with love and awareness. Ask not what can you do for me, but what can I do for you? Be the one to make the first move. In the end, love conquers all. #blacklivesmatter

A post shared by Jonathan Toews (@jonathantoews) on

Nazem Kadri

Nazem Kadri is a forward who was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2009, where he played until his trade to the Colorado Avalanche prior to the 2019-20 season. He is also a proud Muslim of Lebanese heritage, and he spoke about his perspective as a minority and hope for the future.

The full text reads:

Unfortunate to see the events in the world today. As a minority, I understand the ignorance of some people silently carrying hate. It is important now more then ever for us to unify and PEACEFULLY protest to get our point across. Love will always be stronger then hate and I pray one day that the world will merge all cultures and all people as equal and who ever crosses that line will be held accountable. No one should have to worry for there children’s lives and futures from such petty behaviour. Strenght in numbers and for this truly to be different the people need to be heard. All love ❤️

Bo Horvat

The captain of the Vancouver Canucks weighed in, acknowledging that, while he may not know exactly what to say, “the opinion that it is easier to say nothing, is a part of this problem that has gone on for far too long.” He used the #BlackLivesMatter hashtag, and made the “#DifferentTogether Pledge,” which was also promoted by the Canucks in their statement.

The full text reads:

As an athlete we are often asked to provide our opinion on things that happen on the ice, in a locker-room…it usually feels familiar to us, or at the very least like something we are qualified to speak to.

Relating to and discussing the severe pain, and frustration so many are feeling right now is something I know I am not well suited to discuss. But the opinion that it is easier to say nothing, is part of this problem that has gone on for far too long.

My deepest condolences go out to the family of George Floyd and the countless other senseless victims of racism. I’m not going to pretend that I know what people of colour are going through, what I do know is there needs to be change…that we need to do better, that we need to work together to find justice, peace and love. It should go with saying, but we all need to do our part and say it more: I stand for anti-racism and take the #DifferentTogether Pledge.

Tyler Seguin

Tyler Seguin was one of the first white players (along with Kurtis Gabriel, and later, Zdeno Chara) to acknowledge his ignorance, promise to learn more, say he would take action to support communities of color–and then to actually do the work. A few days after sharing an honest, personal statement, Seguin was part of a group mourning the death of George Floyd and then joined in a Black Lives Matter protest.

The full statement reads:

I haven’t felt good all week. I’ve felt fear and an uneasiness to speak up. This is the first time in my life where I’ve really had this feeling. Im a white hockey player and it’s not my place to say I can ever truly understand. But as I witness and digest the gravity of the pain that others are going through, at the very least I want to show my support.

If anything, I can say my sense of empathy is growing. I’m listening harder than ever, but I don’t like what I’m hearing. I see peoples pain much more clearly, specifically in the black community. Seeing George Floyd’s life drained from him was horrific and startling. It still doesn’t compute and it isn’t right.

I have to ask myself how I missed this for so long. Being successful playing in a predominantly white sport, I am guilty of not being aware and Im not proud of that. I feel like I’ve always treated people equally, but I have this feeling now that I have a responsibility to do more.

My heart breaks for the lives that have been unjustly and unnecessarily lost. We need to stomp out fear, hate, bigotry, and racism. My hope is that society will come out enlightened, fight for change, and will finally hear the historically stifled voices of all underrepresented groups of people.

With Love,

Tyler

#blacklivesmatter

Rich Clune

Retired player Rich Clune shared the same information and image on his Instagram story. (H/T @foreverkneeld)

Kevin Weekes

Retired goaltender and current NHL analyst Keven Weekes shared a message on his Twitter account.

Akim Aliu

Akim Aliu–a former hockey player who recently wrote a stunning, hard-hitting and heart-wrenching article for the Players Tribune about the racism he faced–also spoke out.

Morgan Rielly

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly shared a viral video from Nike.

Zack Smith

Chicago Blackhawks’ center Zack Smith took to Twitter to share his support for the Black community. “If you don’t have an opinion or are “neutral” on this subject then you are ignorant and very misinformed,” he wrote.

The full text reads:

As a privileged white man playing in the NHL (a predominantly white league) I feel it’s as important now as ever to show support for the black community and encourage change. If you think the current way black people and other minorities are treated here is ok…. you are a racist. If you don’t have an opinion or are “neutral” on this subject then you are ignorant and very misinformed. I strongly disagree with rioting and looting of homes and small businesses but if you resent this movement because of the actions of a few vandals then you are missing the point entirely. As hockey players we sometimes come off as robots in our interviews and stay clear of opinions on most social issues and controversy. Personally I don’t like posting my opinions on social media these days for several reason [sic]. However with the amount of racist people (especially those in positions of power) being exposed during this movement I felt the need to show my support for the black community and the need for change. Please be safe and take care of each other out there.

Jaccob Slavin

The Hurricanes’ Jaccob Slavin, who adopted a Black daughter with his wife, shared a powerful message from a friend on his Instagram. “My wife and I hate that it took having a black daughter to open our eyes to the racism and injustices that go on in our world and our country,” Slavin wrote. “We especially hate that it went on in our own hearts, but it did. We are by no means perfect and are not claiming to know everything, but we are committed to continuing to learn and stand with People of Color in fighting against those injustices to make our world a safer and better place.”

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These aren’t my own words but they come from a good friend of mine, and I know it’s a lot to read but take the time to read it. My wife and I hate that it took having a black daughter to open our eyes to the racism and injustices that go on in our world and our country. We especially hate that it went on in our own hearts, but it did. We are by no means perfect and are not claiming to know everything, but we are committed to continuing to learn and stand with People of Color in fighting against those injustices to make our world a safer and better place. Reconciliation through Christ. Furthering His Kingdom. All for the glory of God. I’ll put a link in my bio for a website to take a simple action step. Again, not my words but the Spirit led words of @daniel_molenaar

A post shared by Jaccob Slavin (@jslavin74) on

Anders Lee

Anders Lee, captain of the the New York Islanders, shared a personal message on his Twitter account, stating Black Lives Matter. “This past week I have been trying to find the right words to say, what to say and how to say it, but it’s time to say how I feel the best way I can,” Lee wrote. “I will never fully understand because the color of my skin but I have an opportunity to make a difference. I stand for anti-racism. I stand for the rights of black people in America, so we can all be equal. I stand alongside the black community through this difficult time and in the future. I stand for the justice of George Floyd and the countless others who have been killed by racism.”

Jason Zucker

Jason Zucker, a forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins who spent the first years of his career playing for the Minnesota Wild, shared a powerful statement on Twitter. He praised the advocacy of his former teammate JT Brown, saying “Supporting him silently was not and is not enough.” He and his wife Carly Zucker are not only speaking up, they’re donating to help “rebuild minority businesses that were affected during the protests.”

The full text reads:

It is us vs. racism. One of the most powerful things I continue to read during this time is: When your children ask you about this time, when they learn about George Floyd in our history books, what will you say YOU did in response to racism and injustice?

At the very VERY least, you can use your voice. I am pro justice. I am pro racial equality. I am pro accountability. Black lives matter. I will never know the plight of our black community, but you have my support and my voice. My former teammate JT Brown has been, and continues to be a great example of advocacy and when he peacefully protested on a global platform he deserved the full support of teammates, the NHL, and the fans. Supporting him silently was not and is not enough. To be better, we must listen, learn and take action.

My most important action will always be to teach my children what is just, what is true equality, and what their responsibility is to our community.

We also believe it’s our financial responsibility to support and we will continue donating to rebuild minority businesses that were affected during the protests. Black Lives Matter.

Steven Stamkos

Steven Stamkos, captain of the Tampa Bay Lightning, posted on Twitter about his ongoing education and experiences. He acknowledged that he is still in a learning part of the process. For example, he–like many people–is still “trying to comprehend” that the riots and looting “may be coming from real pain and suffering.”

(The incidents that have been described as “riots and looting,” FYI, can be: laden with racist implications, similar to the use of “thugs” when describing Black people, especially Black men; overblown; a mischaracterization of other actions; and can dangerously conflate looters/rioters and peaceful protesters, even though they “aren’t typically the same people.” To quote a thorough USA Today piece on the topic, “Language choices matter: The term ‘riot’ is loaded, and it’s why many use ‘rebellion,’ instead, experts said. One suggests reckless violence. The other signifies political resistance to oppression.”)

Stamkos says he hopes his speaking out “can make a difference,” and that “this can help you find yours, much like my community and peers helped me find mine.”

The full text reads:

I have watched, I have listened and now I am ready to speak. Since the senseless killing of George Floyd , I have had a hard time trying to articulate a way of expressing how I truly feel. Am I scared ? Do I feel a sense of guilt being a white man? Am I part of the problem if I remain silent?

I have watched and listened to the peaceful gatherings of people in protest and I have nothing but compassion and respect for that. I have also watched the looting and the riots. I certainly don’t approve of those actions, but as many of YOU have opened my eyes to, I see that these actions may be coming from real pain and suffering. I can at least try to comprehend that.

Claude Giroux

Claude Giroux, captain of the Philadelphia Flyers, said that while “growing up in a small town” had left him uneducated about diversity, after moving to Philadelphia he “see[s] white privilege first hand every day.” He gave his word that he would continue to “be better. To become a true ally and to properly teach my son. To stand up for what is right. To not just send a tweet, but to be part of the solution.”

The full statement reads:

Over the past few days I’ve remained relatively quiet regarding the murder of George Floyd. Although silent, I was listening and I was truly learning. And although I will never be able to really understand what so many of you go through every day, I want you all to know that I am here, I see you and I stand with you. My family stands with you. I will try to understand better. I will hold others accountable and I will speak up. I will work hard to further educate myself and encourage others to do the same.

Growing up in a small town I was never truly educated on diversity. It was only when I came to Philadelphia that I realized life is so much bigger than I thought it was. I deeply love Philadelphia. But I see white privilege firsthand every day. I see that clearly now. I didn’t understand before but I do now. But I can be better. And I want to be better.

To become a true ally and to properly teach my son. To stand up for what is right.

To not just send a tweet, but to be part of the solution. You have my word.

G

Gabriel Landeskog

Gabriel Landeskog, captain of the Colorado Avalanche, posted on his Instagram, acknowledging his privilege, the “need to educate ourselves,” and using the hashtag #blacklivesmatter. The day prior to releasing his statement he posted a black square in observance of Black Out Tuesday. (He even avoided the common mistake of using the BLM hashtag.)

The full statement reads:

These words aren’t perfect, but I felt the need to try.

I don’t want my silence to be misunderstood for ignorance. As a privileged white man I do not know what black men and women go through everyday, and I will not pretend like I do.

I watched along with all of you how George Floyd was murdered, and I am just like you, furious and frustrated. I do not have all the answers, but the one answer I do have is to open up our hearts and listen. We need to educate ourselves so we can be better. We need to learn how we got to this point, so we can do better. Racism needs to stop.

I want to raise my daughter in a world where love is stronger than hate. Where color does not matter.

#blacklivesmatter

Much love,

Gabe

Connor McDavid

Connor McDavid, both as the captain of the Edmonton Oilers and one of the best hockey players in the world, has a big platform to speak from. In the statement he shared on Twitter, he urged “all os us to get out of our comfort zones, to not sit idly on the sidelines and to be part of the solution to ensure that we end racism in our society.”

The full statement reads:

Like everyone else, I watched the horror of George Floyd’s murder and felt helpless and sick to my stomach. And as I have watched the many protests against racism and social injustice that have been taking place around the world, I realize that I need to do more to educate myself…that I need to learn more about the history of racism in our countries and to listen to the voices and the perspectives of the Black community and other racial minorities to try and understand how I can help to affect positive change going forward. As a young white male and pro athlete, I recognize that we live a very privileged life. I believe that the time is now for all of us to get out of our comfort zones, to not sit idly on the sidelines and to be part of the solution to ensure that we end racism in our society.

Sidney Crosby

Sidney Crosby, captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins, released a statement via his charitable foundation’s Twitter account. He said he would “listen and educate” himself, and that “Together, we will find solutions through necessary dialogue and a collective effort.”

The full statement reads:

What happened to George Floyd cannot be ignored. Racism that exists today in all forms is not acceptable. While I am not able to relate to the discrimination that black and minority communities face daily, I will listen and educate myself on how I can help make a difference.

Together, we will find solutions through necessary dialogue and a collective effort.

-Sidney

Shea Weber

Shea Weber, captain of the Montreal Canadiens, shared a statement via NHL.com. It reads:

I have been baffled and frustrated since I first saw the disturbing and senseless killing of George Floyd. I have not been sure how to express my feelings. Growing up in a small town never afforded me the worldly experiences to understand racism or to ever really think about this issue as a young individual. My eyes have been opened to the realities that many people who don’t look like me face on a daily basis. Racism is very real and must be called out.

Sport is a unifying force. It brings people together. We now need to be united in this fight and work together. I don’t have the solutions and can’t speak from experience or tell someone who has dealt with racism how they should feel. But we can all listen.

We need to push for equality and put our resources and voices together to bring change. We can make the world better by working together.

My thoughts are with George Floyd and his family and everyone who has been a victim of racism and discrimination.

#blacklivesmatter

Sarah Nurse

Sarah Nurse, a professional women’s hockey player and Olympic medalist for Canada, encouraged everyone to take action against racism.

She shared a more personal story on her Instagram, and encouraged people to contribute to the Minnesota Freedom Fund, the same organization JT Brown supports.

View this post on Instagram

I have always been hesitant to speak about race because I have light skin and I am not a direct target for racism everyday. Violent acts of racism are highlighted in the news. It also needs to be understood and recognized that racial bias and micro-aggressions leading to racism & violence surround us every single day. Many of you know my dad; he’s educated, he’s kind, he’s a talker, he’s goofy and he’d give you the shirt off his back. A few years ago, I was in a grocery store with my dad. When checking out (we were making separate purchases) the cashier was bubbly and welcoming to all the customers until my dad walked through the line. He greeted her and then I watched her look him up and down, not acknowledge him as a customer, and then completely ignore him as he checked out. When I came through she was her bubbly self again, she turned the smile back on, greeted me and even applied a coupon to one of my items. This may seem insignificant but it’s this behaviour and these attitudes that need to change. That day I truly started understanding white privilege and what is taken for granted – I was shown kindness, acknowledgement and respect because of the colour of my skin, something that she obviously didn’t think my dad was deserving of. Hearing about George Floyd shook me and I can’t tip-toe around this. We shouldn’t have to fear for our black family. We have to change. We have to have conversations. We have to start challenging belief systems. We have to educate ourselves. We have to stand up for what is right. We can’t stay silent. ✊🏽 Sign the petition to bring justice for George Floyd. Donate to the Minnesota Freedom Fund @mnfreedomfund ➡️ Follow and take action with @blklivesmatter ✊🏽 #justiceforgeorgefloyd #justiceforahmaud #justiceforbreonnataylor #blacklivesmatter

A post shared by Sarah Nurse (@nursey16) on

Saroya Tinker

Saroya Tinker, an NCAA Division I athlete and first-round draft pick for the NWHL Riveters, shared her “thoughts, experience and story on racism in hockey.”

The full text reads:

Growing up, I found a love for sports; in particular, the sport of hockey. Although hockey is seen as a typically White sport, I excelled from an early age and while at the arena, was never fully aware of the White space I was in each day. Sure, I thought about what it would be like to have another Black teammate but this was the least of my worries as I loved the sport so dearly. But, playing hockey most definitely came with its challenges. I have always questioned my place at the rink. Having come this far, playing hockey at the NCAA Division I level, I feel a sense of accomplishment not only through sport but within my character as well. Now, I feel as though I can speak to how racism in sports affects those who participate and also help others grasp a better understanding as to why this needs to come to an end. Being mixed; my father Jamaican and my mother Canadian-Ukrainian, I have had my fair share of confusion at the rink having one White parent and one Black. My mother, being white, had a white parent from an opposing team ask her which one was her daughter. My mom, being so very proud of her children, proudly stated that number 71 was her daughter. The parent of the opposing team looked onto the ice, spotted me, and said “I see, cross-breads [sic] usually make good athletes.” This man seemed to think of me as some sort of animal. I am a human being and I have not been “crossbred.” Additionally, because some of my former teammates lack the understanding of the African-American community and that of white supremacy. They often fail to recognize that the ideology underlying the racist practices often include the idea that humans can be subdivided into distinct groups that are different due to their social behavior and their innate capacities, as well as the idea that they can be ranked as inferior or superior. In this case, I am, and always will be, inferior to my White teammates. As this is just one example of the racism I have endured over the course of my hockey career, I want to bring awareness to the hockey community as we should aim to make the arena an all inclusive and welcoming space for all.
#Blacklivesmatter

Athletes speaking out is important because their voices are amplified by their status and because they can reach a cross-section of society who might not otherwise be exposed to these issues. Sports fans come from all walks of life, united by their love of a game, team, or player. When those athletes explain that racism affects everyone–and that everyone can and should take action to effect meaningful change–hopefully, people will listen.

H/T to @dragonscrawl for the research assistance. We will update this article with additional content if/when necessary.

Headline photo: Screenshots via Twitter

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