Jan 5, 2020; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) warms up before action against the Philadelphia Eagles in a NFC Wild Card playoff football game at Lincoln Financial Field. Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Russell Wilson: 'We need true leadership, justice, equality'

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 6/1/20

Amid protests across the United States following the death of George Floyd, many athletes are beginning to release statements condemning police brutality and racism.

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson is no exception to that, and the 31-year-old is one of the latest members of the athletic community to weigh in on the matter.

pic.twitter.com/WdZwlVLwtQ
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) June 1, 2020

Among some of the more powerful movements and statements from athletes comes from Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brow, who drove 15 hours to Atlanta to lead a peaceful protest alongside Indiana Pacers guard Malcolm Brogdon. NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar also released an emotional op-ed in the Los Angeles Times saying "racism is more deadly than COVID-19."

The fight for Floyd has also reached athletes overseas in Germany's Bundesliga. Schalke's Weston McKennie wore a "Justice for George" armband during a match and Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho ripped off his shirt after scoring a goal to reveal an undershirt with "Justice for George Floyd" written on it.

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

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