Triangle athletes and coaches outraged, seeking justice for George Floyd

By Mary Dunleavy WRAL Sports anchor/reporter

As streets within major cities across the country fill with protesters seeking justice for George Floyd, athletes and coaches in the Triangle are using their pull to achieve justice as well.

Duke football coach David Cutcliffe isn't one to draw attention to himself or his social stances but Sunday morning, he released a rare tweet explaining his thoughts on the state of our country.

Cutcliffe has an African American son and explained why he has learned first-hand why racism is an issue in the United States. Cutcliffe said, "These many years have proven to me that racism has continued to be a broad problem in our society and a part of that problem has been far too many young black men being mistreated, and yes, killed by police officers."

NC State Chancellor Randy Woodson penned a note on behalf of the University Sunday expressing his grief, anger and the countries need to change after the George Floyd tragedy.

Woodson said, "As the state’s largest public university, we have the responsibility to educate ourselves and those who pass through our doors to overcome ignorance, unite against intolerance, model inclusivity, and advance the dignity and power of diversity."

UNC quarterback Sam Howell released a long thread of tweets saying in part, "The recent events that have taken place in our country are truly sickening. As a white man, I will never know what it’s like to be black in this country. However, I will stand with my brothers and I will stand with my sisters."

NC State football head coach Dave Doeren retweeted a powerful scene out of downtown Atlanta. Hundreds of protesters gathered with one fist raised in the air in absolute silence.

Doeren later tweeted, "I have observed in disgust so many injustices recently. What in the world is going on?"

Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence has been very vocal during the coronavirus pandemic and he made sure his voice was heard in regards to the George Floyd tragedy. Lawrence tweeted, "If you put yourself in someone else’s shoes and you don’t like how it feels, that’s when you know things need to change."

NCSU men's basketball head coach Kevin Keatts leveled with his followers on Twitter Saturday night and expressed why police brutality must stop.

Duke Vice President and Athletic Director Kevin White released the following statement on Twitter saying in part, "The recent heightened occurrences of racial and social injustice are disappointing, disturbing and fundamentally repugnant."

White added, "We have a collective responsibility to be leaders in our own capacity to invoke change."

Duke associate head coach John Scheyer halted a Q-and-A on Twitter and released a simple statement: "Stay safe and continue to speak up for what is right!"

UNC Men's basketball coach Roy William, released a statement saying, “What happened to George Floyd and has happened elsewhere is a tragedy and is something that we can no longer tolerate as a country."

NC Courage star Lynn Williams tweeted a Nike commercial and highlighted some of the names of black people whose lives were taken as a result of police brutality.

NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell released a statement on Saturday evening saying, "The NFL family is greatly saddened by the tragic events across our country. The protesters' reactions to these incidents reflect the pain, anger and frustration that so many of us feel...We recognize the power of our platform in communities and as part of the fabric of American society. We embrace that responsibility and are committed to continuing the important work to address these systemic issues together with our players, clubs and partners."

The world is taking note as well. During a European soccer match between Schalke and Werder Bremen, Weston McKennie, who is also a member of the US Men's National Team, wore an arm band with 'Justice for George' written on it.