Eagles safety Rodney McLeod on Monday morning released a statement through his social media accounts promoting peaceful protest and his belief that “we as a city can rise out of this pivotal moment stronger.”
McLeod, 29, has been a vocal equal rights activist during his time with the Eagles.
This statement from McLeod comes in the wake of the senseless killing of George Floyd, a black man, in police custody in Minnesota. McLeod previously released a shorter statement saying an “officer should protect and serve the community, not brutalize, and kill innocent lives.”
McLeod’s statement on Monday comes as a response to the protests that in some cases, and for various reasons, have turned violent and destructive in Philadelphia and around the country the last couple of days.
Here’s the full text of McLeod’s statement:
NFL
As a black man, it’s been a painful and disturbing time throughout our nation and city; the ugly reminders of injustice and systemic racism will continue to haunt us as a country until we enact change. Peaceful protest, lifting our voices in solidarity, and civil-engagement are all a part of the change process. Defacing our communities only offers a shortcut to the progress we all want to see. I believe we as a city can rise out of this pivotal moment stronger, we have an opportunity to course-correct for our future’s sake, and together, each of us can reflect the attitude necessary to be better and do better. I am encouraging us all to speak our peace. #georgefloyd #justiceforgeorgefloyd
Floyd, 46, was killed in Minneapolis last week when a police officer pushed his knee into Floyd’s neck for an extended period of time while he was handcuffed. The officer, Derek Chauvin, was fired and eventually arrested and charged with third-degree murder.
McLeod previously joined Malcolm Jenkins during the 2016 and 2017 season by protesting during the national anthem as a demonstration against police brutality and racial injustice.
Jenkins, now a member of the New Orleans Saints, joined marching protesters in Philadelphia this weekend:
Like McLeod, several other Eagles and former Eagles have reacted to the death of Floyd. Perhaps most notably, quarterback Carson Wentz spoke out against “institutional racism” in a statement last week.
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