Many athletes and sports figures have spoken out on the tragic murder of George Floyd, with Odell Beckham Jr. of the Cleveland Browns being one of the latest. In an emotional series of tweets, Beckham expressed his frustration in the wake of Floyd's death.
IM FRUSTRATED. More so because I don’t even kno how to speak or comment on this issue that’s been goin on for so long. I hate feeling defeated as if the words I wanna say will@never be enough to stop what’s goin on. I’m Tired. People are losing brothers sisters daughters
— Odell Beckham Jr (@obj) May 30, 2020
The All-Pro wideout proceeded to exclaim that the violence needs to come to an end. While he realizes police brutality isn't the answer, he also insinuated that inciting violence to police officers isn't the answer either. Of course, Odell Beckham Jr. was met with many people opposing what he was saying.
Losing fathers mothers aunties uncles etc…. VIOLENCE isn’t not the answer … cops killing us is not the answer, us killin cops is not the answer. VIOLENCE WILL ONLY BRING MORE VIOLENCE
— Odell Beckham Jr (@obj) May 30, 2020
There's no doubt that changes need to be made for us to move forward as a society. However, it's going to take more than Odell Beckham Jr. and other athletes voicing their disgust of what is going on. Sadly, whatever is being said also won't bring back Floyd or the other lives lost over the years of mistreatment to people of color.
It is everyone's duty, regardless of skin color, to unite and begin creating the change we need to see. That calls for non-minority people to educate themselves and listen to those that have endured or continue to endure the hardships of today's lopsided society.
Besides Beckham, we've seen Joe Burrow, Derek Carr, and Brian Flores issue statements in the wake of Floyd's death. All of them have shared the sentiment that changes need to transpire before more lives are lost at the hands of racist people.
While people continue to protest and riot, we can't allow Floyd's name to be forgotten.