Richard Sherman declines questions, gives statement on police killings
Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman chose to make a statement on police violence and racial injustice instead of answering questions from reporters on Wednesday.
Sherman briefly discussed the upcoming game against the 49ers before explaining his stance and decision. His comments came in wake of the recent killings of black men Terence Crutcher and Keith Lamont Scott by police officers, and in step with spreading league-wide protests of the national anthem. Members of the Seahawks have chosen to protest, along with Niners quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who begun kneeling during the anthem during the preseason.
“I think you have players that are trying to take a stand and trying to be aware of social issues and try to make a stand and increase people's awareness and put a spotlight on it and they’re being ignored,” Sherman said. “Whether they’re taking a knee or whether they’re locking arms, they’re trying to bring people together and unite them for a cause. I think the last couple days a couple more guys have gotten shot and killed in the middle of the street.
“More videos have come out of guys getting killed in the middle of the street. More videos have come out of guys getting killed, and I think people are still missing the point. The reason these guys are kneeling, the reason we’re locking arms is to bring people together to make people aware that this is not right. It’s not right for people to get killed in the street.”
#Seahawks Richard Sherman did not take questions today. Instead made this statement: pic.twitter.com/UudYnm5PTs
— Tim Booth (@ByTimBooth) September 21, 2016
Sherman went on to discuss the impact police brutality has, particularly in black communities, and closed with a simple point.
“...so when a guy takes a knee, you can ignore it. You can say he’s not being patriotic, he’s not honoring the flag. I’m doing none of those things. I’m saying it straight up.
“This is wrong and we need to do something. So thank you guys, have a blessed day.”
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