Cardinals P Jack Flaherty: 'The badge and blue uniform are not a pedestal'
As protests and outrage over the death of George Floyd continue to sweep the nation, many athletes are stepping up to take a stand against racism and police brutality.
The latest player to do so is St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Jack Flaherty, who is calling for police officers to be held more accountable.
Floyd, an African American man, was murdered by former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin last week. The 46-year-old was pinned to the ground as Chauvin kneeled on his neck, inhibiting him from breathing. As Floyd pleaded for his life, even telling officer Chauvin multiple times he couldn't breathe, he refused to move off his neck.
Floyd was later pronounced dead at the hospital, and Chauvin was arrested Friday on charges of third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.
Other athletes who have taken a stand against racism and police brutality include Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown, who drove 15 hours to Atlanta to lead a peaceful protest alongside Indiana Pacers guard Malcolm Brogdon, New York Mets youngster Pete Alonso -- who vowed to not remain silent about racial discrimination -- and Washington Nationals pitcher Sean Doolittle, who also has called for change.
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