Buccaneers Bruce Arians’ message to protesters: ‘Don’t stop’

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians urges those protesting police brutality across the country to follow up protests with action.

On May 25th, police officer Derek Chauvin murdered George Floyd, a black man who was being arrested for supposedly paying with a fake $20 bill. Three other officers stood around and watched as Chauvin put his knee on Floyd’s neck, and even when Floyd shouted “I can’t breathe,” no one intervened.

Floyd’s death sparked anti-racism protests across the country that seek to draw attention to police brutality. On June 3rd, the protestors won a major victory: Chauvin’s charge was increased from third degree to second degree murder, and the other three officers were charged with aiding and abetting murder.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians doesn’t want protestors to stop.

Unlike Drew Brees and Vic Fangio, who both came under fire for their responses to George Floyd’s death and the ensuing protests, Arians came out fully in support of the protestors.

“I love the fact that people are upset and raising their voices, but don’t stop,” Arians said. “It’s one thing to march and protest, but it’s another thing to take action. When the protesting’s over, I would urge everybody to take action. Do something positive to help the situation. Don’t just go back to being silent.”

Arians knows about taking action. Unlike many of his fellow coaches, who talk about diversity but don’t really practice it, Arians has been a champion for black men and women in coaching. Last year, Arians made history when he hired two female coaches and all three of his coordinators were black men.

Arians’ comments stand in stark contrast to New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, who said that he wouldn’t support players kneeling during the national anthem again because it disrespects the flag. The comments drew criticism from all across the country, as people questioned how he could still fail to understand the meaning behind the protests.

Denver Broncos head coach Fangio also came under fire after he said that he “doesn’t see racism in the NFL at all.”