Miami Marlins chief executive officer Derek Jeter joins those in the sports world speaking out on injustice. Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Derek Jeter: Racial hatred needs to be 'responded to with severe punishment'

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 6/1/20

While protests are sweeping the nation in response to the death of George Floyd, many athletes and sports organizations across the United States have released statements condemning racism and police brutality.

Miami Marlins co-owner and former New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter is only the latest person who is using their platform to make a difference, and he wants to see plenty of change in this country moving forward.

pic.twitter.com/rObsemS29n
— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) June 1, 2020

Many players across Major League Baseball have made statements regarding the matter. St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Jack Flaherty has called for police officers to be held more accountable for their actions, and former Braves star Dale Murphy also is calling for people to make a difference after his son was shot during protests in Colorado.

These actions come after Floyd, an African American man, died last week while being violently apprehended by former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin.

The 46-year-old was pinned to the ground by Chauvin, who then proceeded to kneel on his neck and prevent him from breathing. Floyd pleaded for his life and even told officer Chauvin he couldn't breathe, but Chauvin refused to move off his neck.

Floyd wss later pronounced dead at the hospital, and Chauvin was arrested Friday on charges of third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

More must-reads: