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Multiple NFL players have signed a letter to Congress in hopes that qualified immunity will be ended in the United States. Qualified immunity is a legal doctrine that gives police officers more leeway when excessive force is being used against a citizen, arguing that they were acting within the scope of their jobs.
After George Floyd's death while in police custody, there has been plenty of talk about police force used against citizens, especially those of color.
The Players Coalition, which includes NFL, NBA and MLB players, sent off the letter asking Congress to pass the End Qualified Immunity Act, which wouldn't put anyone above the law. The letter read, in part:
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“We are more than 1,400 current and former professional athletes and coaches from across the National Football League, National Basketball Association, and Major League Baseball in America. We are tired of conversations around police accountability that go nowhere, and we have engaged in too many ‘listening sessions' where we discuss whether there is a problem of police violence in this country. There is a problem. The world witnessed it when Officer Chauvin murdered George Floyd, and the world is watching it now, as officers deploy enormous force on peaceful protestors like those who were standing outside of the White House last week. The time for debate about the unchecked authority of the police is over; it is now time for change.”
NFL players to sign the letter include Drew Brees, Carson Wentz, Joe Burrow, Baker Mayfield, Dak Prescott, Alex Smith and Tom Brady. In the coming months, in conjunction with the protests centering what happened to George Floyd and too many others, this is going to be a topic that will continue to be discussed around the nation.
It's unclear if Congress will act, but there is clearly a push from many for change to happen, including from the world of professional sports.
