Roger Goodell Answers NFL Players' Video on Equality: 'Black Lives Matter'

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has responded to a video posted on social media by several players calling for the league to speak out and support its black players. 

In a video from the NFL's official Twitter account, Goodell said, "We, the National Football League, condemn racism and the systematic oppression of Black People," and "We, the National Football League, believe Black Lives Matter."

In the video, Goodell also acknowledged the NFL was "wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest."

A group of players, including Patrick Mahomes, Deshaun Watson and Saquon Barkley, recently composed a video asking the league to condemn police brutality and racism.         

"How many times do we need to ask you to listen to your players?" Kansas City Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu asked in the video. 

Goodell and the NFL were criticized for releasing a statement last Saturday that didn't mention that black lives matter, racism or ongoing issues of police brutality. 

Houston Texans wide receiver Kenny Stills tweeted, "Save the bulls--t," in response to the league's original statement. 

Many NFL players have taken part in protests across the United States demanding justice for George Floyd, who was killed while in the custody of four Minneapolis police officers after Derek Chauvin pressed his knee into the back of Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes. 

Chauvin has been charged with second-degree murder, second-degree manslaughter and third-degree murder, while the three other officers were charged with aiding and abetting murder.

Members of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Detroit Lions took part in marches Friday to help raise awareness for racial injustice against the Black community.