Chris Ballard is coming to terms with his own biases. The Indianapolis Colts' general manager said on Thursday he refused to “remain silent” on the issue of racial inequality, per Stephen Holder of The Athletic. Ballard also said, “I've been ignorant to this problem and I've come to a realization.”
Ballard: "I can't sit here and remain silent, because that's exactly what we've done every time our black community has cried for help…. I've been ignorant to this problem and I've come to a realization."
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) June 4, 2020
Ballard went a little deeper into the conversation, saying he has begun speaking with his children about racial injustice.
"I've had long talks with our kids, especially my son, about what's going on in our country…. And they have no idea. And that's my fault."
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) June 4, 2020
He also said he refused to remain idle and be part of the problem, instead of committing to taking action and becoming part of the solution.
Ballard: "I thought Jacoby Brissett put it best: 'You're either part of the solution, or you're part of the problem.' I want to do my part. My family is going to do its part."
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) June 4, 2020
Holder also added his own two cents on the matter, saying it was as emotional as he had seen Ballard in his time covering the team.
We've all gotten to know Chris Ballard well these past three years. I would say the last time I've seen him display this much emotion from him was after Edwin Jackson passed away.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) June 4, 2020
The Colts issued an official statement this past Sunday, though it is more encouraging to see Ballard–someone in a position of leadership–be more vocal and emotive on the subject.
There appears to be more insistence in terms of relating to the players in the locker room and attempting to understand them on a more personal level. As Ballard said, some of the players are still struggling with the events of the last week.
The NFL has taken some heat for its public response to the death of George Floyd and racial injustice in America. Most of the backlash stems from the way former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick was essentially blackballed from football after his peaceful protest of kneeling during the national anthem.
However, many players and owners around the league have been loud and clear in calling for change. Ballard is looking more internally which–as a Caucasian man–figures to be among the most important things he can do.
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