Clippers head coach Doc Rivers released a statement on the protests that happening across the control as a result of the murder of George Floyd. Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Doc Rivers releases powerful statement in response to death of George Floyd

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 5/31/20

Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers released a statement Sunday regarding the protests surrounding racial injustice and police brutality across the country — and it was powerful.

The 58-year-old shared his past experiences with racism in the emotional statement and even noted that his home was burned down at one point in his life because of the color of his skin.

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— doc rivers (@DocRivers) May 31, 2020

Rivers' comments come almost a week after George Floyd, 46, died while in a Minneapolis police officer's custody on Monday.

The officer, Derek Chauvin, had his knee on Floyd's neck as he laid on the ground fighting for his life. A witness's video surfaced showing Floyd begging for his life and even telling the officer he couldn't breathe.

He was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

Chauvin, was arrested Friday and charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter as a result of the incident.

Rivers isn't the first person to use their status as a way to stand up for what is right. Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown drove 15 hours from Boston to Atlanta on Saturday to lead a peaceful protest alongside Indiana Pacers star Malcolm Brogdon. Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores released a similarly powerful statement earlier in the week, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar wrote a moving op-ed for the Los Angeles Times.

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