Unlike the NBA and WNBA, the NFL has a habit of dancing around social issues, particularly when the government is involved.
Breast cancer awareness and “End Racism” signage in the end zones and on players helmets aside, the league rarely takes sides when it comes to serious issues impacting the country.
So it’s no surprise that the league has stayed laser focused on the upcoming Super Bowl between the Patriots and Seahawks and remained silent on the violence incited by Tr**p and his ICE agents in Minneapolis.
Fortunately, the Fritz Pollard Alliance has decided to break the NFL silence and speak on the situation in Minneapolis.
“The Fritz Pollard Alliance mourns the tragic loss of life resulting from federal immigration enforcement actions in Minneapolis. We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of those whose lives were taken, and to the community now grappling with grief, trauma, and unanswered questions.
“No family should ever receive a knock on the door telling them their loved one is gone as a result of a law-enforcement encounter. These deaths have shaken not only Minneapolis, but millions of people in communities across the country who are watching with growing fear and concern.
“The Fritz Pollard Alliance calls for a full, transparent, and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding these events. The public deserves clear answers, and families deserve the truth. Accountability is essential to restoring trust and ensuring that such tragedies are not repeated.
“Our organization has long stood for fairness, dignity, and the equal protection of all people. That commitment does not stop at the doors of sport — it extends to every community and every life. Public safety must never come at the expense of human rights or basic humanity.
“We urge federal, state, and local leaders to work together to de-escalate tensions, protect civil liberties, and rebuild trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve, starting with the removal of ICE forces until accountability measures are in place.
“The Fritz Pollard Alliance stands in solidarity with Minneapolis and with all who are demanding justice, transparency, and meaningful reform.”
While the Alliance clearly called for the removal of ICE, they didn’t explicitly attribute the deaths of Alex Pretti or Renee Good to ICE, even though we’ve all seen the videos and know who carries the blame for both killings.
Some of the city’s teams got involved in their own ways.
The Timberwolves postponed their game against the Warriors for a day and then held a moment of silence and video tribute to Pretti before the rescheduled game.
