Connor McDavid makes statement against racism: 'I realize that I need to do more to educate myself'
In response to George Floyd's death, many athletes have begun to speak out against racism and police brutality. While NHL teams and players were a little late to make statements condemning racial injustice, Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid finally released comments of his own and promised to better educate himself on the subject:
McDavid, arguably the best player in the NHL, made his statements following a series of responses from players around the league, including one from Boston Bruins forward Patrice Bergeron who is donating $25,000 each to the Boston NAACP and Centre Multiethnique de Quebec in Canada.
Similarly, New Jersey Devils defenseman P.K. Subban made a $50,000 donation to a fundraiser for Floyd's daughter Gianna, which has raised over $900,000; and San Jose Sharks forward Evander Kane called for athletes to speak up on the matter and be the role models people see them as.
These actions come after Floyd, an African American man, died last week after he was 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 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. On June 3, Chauvin's charge was upgraded to second-degree unintentional murder, and three other now-former officers who were on the scene are facing charges.
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