Sports world reacts after Derek Chauvin is found guilty in George Floyd murder verdict

As noted by an ESPN piece, former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter on Tuesday for his role in the murder of George Floyd last May that sparked outrage in the United States and around the world. 

Multiple individuals and entities in the sports community reacted to the verdict shortly after it was announced Tuesday afternoon. 

"George Floyd’s murder was a flash point for how we look at race and justice in our country, and we are pleased that justice appears to have been served," National Basketball Players Association executive director Michele Roberts and NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a prepared joint statement. "But we also recognize that there is much work to be done and the National Basketball Association and the National Basketball Players Association, together with our newly-formed Social Justice Coalition, will redouble our efforts to advocate for meaningful change in the areas of criminal justice and policing." 

The NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves and WNBA's Minnesota Lynx also released a joint statement:

"One year ago, George Floyd was murdered, causing unimaginable pain and trauma for his family, the Minneapolis community, and communities across the nation. Our deepest thoughts have been with the Floyd family since this unjust tragedy. Throughout our history, racial and social inequalities have been ingrained in our society. We are hopeful that today’s decision will serve as a step forward, but it does not ease the physical and emotional pain that continues in an environment where systemic racism exists.

"To our BIPOC community, the Timberwolves and Lynx remain committed to influencing change, promoting impactful action, and using our platform to help heal and unite in pursuit of liberty and justice FOR ALL."

MLB Players Association executive director Tony Clark issued a statement: