The Rush: NFL head coach voices support of on-field protests
Many NFL teams participated in Blackout Tuesday including the San Francisco 49ers, causing beef with one former player, Sean McVay became the first NFL head coach to support on-field protests, Sean Payton appears to have taken a political side, MLB has yet to issue a statement on the protests, and James Dolan doesn’t want the Knicks talking about them. PLUS: Tiger Woods shanked his response, a few Minnesota Vikings aren’t happy with the NFL, and Jim Harbaugh takes to the streets.
Video Transcript
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JARED QUAY: In support of the protest for the murder of George Floyd, yesterday was Black Out Tuesday. And athletes weren't the only one filling your social media with black boxes. A lot of NFL teams also showed support, including the 49ers. No word if that triggered Nick Bosa, but it definitely triggered former safety Eric Reid. And if you don't know who he's referring to, where the hell have you been?
Still, the 49ers tweet was light years better than the MLB's response. MLB might give us baseball this year, but they will not give us their thoughts on the protests. Rob Manfred is the only commissioner of the four major sports to say absolutely nothing.
Which reminds me of Knicks owner James Dolan. He sent an email to all MSG employees telling them they're not more qualified than anyone else to speak their opinions on the protest. Y'all ain't qualified to run a basketball team either, but it's cool.
Sometimes saying nothing is better than saying the wrong thing. Tiger Woods' statement got a mixed response. And the NFL's memo inspired Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks to tweet this. Those two dudes are on the team's social justice committee, so I get why they're mad. But then they'll also be happy to hear this.
Yesterday, Rams coach Sean McVay became the first NFL head coach to voice his support for on-field protests. Which means this fall, we may see an entire sideline kneeling together. And Sean McVay isn't the only coach spreading his wings. Google what happens in 22 weeks and you'll see exactly why this tweet from Sean Payton is so important.
It's down to college level too. Michigan's head coach Jim Harbaugh attended an anti-police brutality rally in Ann Arbor.
Sounds to me like them coaches have been reading our columnists on Yahoo Sports. And you should be too. This week alone Terez Paylor opens up about what you can do to be a better ally, and Vincent Goodwill share stories of his interactions with the police. Also check out Chris Haynes episode of "Post it Up" with Steve Kerr.
Because that's how we're going to get out of this, by reading, learning, listening to how other people see the world. And watching "The Rush" every day, because we've got to get through this together, guys.
Thank you for watching. Continue to do it as we fight through this together.
