Roger Goodell: The NFL Stands With The Black Community

On the same day Donald Trump warned the NFL over protests, Commissioner Roger Goodell emphasized the league’s racial justice stance.

Trump, in a Tweet about the NBA, ominously mentioned the NFL. The president’s intention was clear; he doesn’t want to see racial justice protests in the NFL.

“People are tired of watching the highly political @NBA,” wrote Trump. 

“Basketball ratings are WAY down, and they won’t be coming back. I hope football and baseball are watching and learning because the same thing will be happening to them. Stand tall for our Country and our Flag!!!”

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In response to the shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Washington, Goodell threw his support behind the black community.

“The NFL stands with the Black community, the players, clubs and fans,” said Roger Goodell.

“Confronting recent systemic racism with tangible and productive steps is absolutely essential. We will not relent in our work. We will redouble our efforts to be catalysts for the urgent and sustainable change that our society and communities so desperately need. 

“I’m so proud of everyone across our league and others who have taken a stand using their voices and platforms to continue to shine the spotlight on things that must change. By listening and working and understanding with our players, we built the foundation for tangible change through our Inspire Change initiative.”

The initiative will see ‘It Takes All Of Us’ and ‘End Racism’ inscribed on NFL endzones this upcoming season.

Trump exerted his influence to stymie the initial Take a Knee movement instigated by Colin Kaepernick in 2016. This is attributed to his relationships with NFL owners, and the more conservative nature of the NFL establishment and fanbase, compared to the NBA.

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However, NFL owners are coming around to the idea of change, according to executive vice president Troy Vincent. 

“I do believe that the club owners are at a place over the last few years, it’s taken some a little longer than others, but it becomes a heart issue,” said Vincent.

“And they do have an appreciation for humanity and they understand that we have to do this together. The players can’t do it alone. The players understand that they can’t do without club owners. Club owners understand that it takes all of us to get to where we want to get as a better society.”