NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell: ‘We, the NFL, believe Black Lives Matter’

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said Black Lives Matter.

Roger Goodell released a video message on social media on Friday night to say Black Lives Matter and the NFL condemns racism and the oppression of Black People.

“It has been a difficult time for our country,” Goodell began. “In particular, black people in our country,” Goodell said. “First, my condolences to the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and all the families who have endured police brutality.

We, the National Football League, condemn racism and the systematic oppression of Black People. We, the National Football League, admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest. We, the National Football League, 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 the centuries of silence, inequality and oppression of black players, coaches, fans and staff. We are listening, I am listening and I 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.”

These are the strongest statements from the NFL in the wake of nationwide unrest in the wake of the murder of George Floyd that has seen four Minneapolis police officers charged. In addition to the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor, protests have erupted across the country with every state holding a demonstration this week and several foreign countries holding protests against police brutality and racial injustices.

NFL responds to Black Lives Matter video from NFL stars.

Prior to the release of the video from Goodell, the NFL Twitter account the video made by several NFL players that was shared on Wednesday. Players like Patrick Mahomes, Ezekiel Elliott, Odell Beckam, Jr., Saquon Barkley, Jamal Adams and took part in the video saying Black Lives Matter.

This could be interpreted as a green light to take a knee during the national anthem as a form of peaceful protest begun by then-San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick in 2016. His movement resulted in him going to court with the NFL and getting a settlement of less than $10 million to split with Eric Reid who joined his movement and faced a difficult road back into the NFL.

Earlier this week, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees said he would never agree with anyone disrespecting the flag. He apologized one day later after several of his teammates heavily criticized him for his comments, which were roundly panned. There were dissenters, of course, including Fox News host Laura Ingraham who thinks Brees is entitled to his opinion and President Donald Trump who doesn’t think Brees shouldn’t have apologized.

The NFL didn’t listen to Kaepernick in 2016 when he was trying to spread a message that is finally being heard in 2020.