MLB stadiums across the country have been dark this year amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and the league’s contentious discussions with the MLBPA over starting the season.
Dodger Stadium, however, was lit up on Wednesday night for a specific amount of time inspired by a tragically solemn reason.
The lights at the iconic ballpark located near Chavez Ravine were left on for eight minutes and 46 seconds in honor of the memory of George Floyd, an African American man who died while in Minneapolis police custody on May 25.
The eight-minute, 46-second tribute was inspired by the time that Derek Chauvin, a white officer with the Minneapolis Police Department who has since been fired, had his knee of Floyd’s neck as Floyd ultimately perished. The incident of course has spawned protests and unrest in countless cities all over the country.
“Tonight, the Dodgers joined families across Los Angeles in shining our Dodger Stadium lights into the sky at 9 p.m. for 8 minutes and 46 seconds in recognition of George Floyd,” the team said in a statement, per TMZ Sports. “The Dodgers join all Angelenos in this peaceful display of unity to shine a light in the darkness.”
Chauvin had charges against him elevated to second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter after Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison took over the case this week. The other three officers at the scene of Floyd’s death, who were also terminated shortly after Floyd’s death, have since been charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder.
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