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NFL Players Join Alliance for Criminal Justice Reform After Chauvin Verdict
April 21, 2021
The NFL Players Association announced it is joining the Alliance for Criminal Justice Reform to provide support for efforts to urge the United States Senate to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.
The NFLPA released a statement about goals of the alliance, which includes an initial commitment from 20 NFL players, after former Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty Tuesday of the murder of George Floyd last May:
NFLPA @NFLPANext step: more action ✊ NFL players are joining actors, coaches + artists in the Alliance for Criminal Justice Reform–starting with a Lobby Day to help push forward the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. ⏩ Players that are interested in joining please send us a DM. https://t.co/G0JkDSynF2
The Alliance for Criminal Justice Reform is bringing together athletes, artists, actors, former policymakers and thought leaders in criminal justice reform with the goal of helping pass criminal justice reform legislation.
The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act aims to reduce police violence and increase accountability by enacting a federal ban on police chokeholds, requiring federal officers to be equipped with body cameras, creating a nationwide police misconduct database and ending qualified immunity for police officers, which protects them from civil lawsuits, among other provisions. The bill was passed by the House in March but has yet to receive a vote in the Senate.
The Players Coalition, an independent group of athletes, coaches and owners focused on social justice, also identified action items Tuesday to continue efforts toward racial equality:
PlayersCoalition @playercoalitionLike so many following this trial, we applaud today’s verdict. However, there is still so much work to be done as we continue the fight for accountability in policing. We must continue to demand robust and massive change and here is where we can start. #TheFightContinues https://t.co/3HQjUHacpe
Several NFL teams released statements after Tuesday's verdict that celebrated the conviction but also stressed the importance of further work toward the ultimate goal of equality and an end of systemic racism.
Numerous current and former players also reacted to news of the verdict on social media, including 2018 MVP Patrick Mahomes:
The NFL also posted a statement, saying it would support efforts to "help move our society toward a more equal and just tomorrow."