New Jersey Devils defenseman P.K. Subban. Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Devils' P.K. Subban donates $50K to fundraiser for Gianna Floyd

P.K. Subban, one of the few black players in the NHL, is condemning racism and police brutality following the death of George Floyd. While players like Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby have made benign statements, Subban is going above and beyond by donating $50,000 to a fundraiser for Floyd's daughter Gianna, who now will grow up without a father. 

The NHL also matched Subban's donation, making it $100,000 going to the fundraiser.

"What does 'change the game' mean?" the New Jersey Devils defenseman said, referring to the phrase on his hat. "'Change the game' means 'change the narrative.' The narrative has been the same. No justice. There needs to be justice.

"Justice has to happen, change needs to come, but we need everyone ... to look at our lives and see where we can help that change and do our part. I'm committed to that — I'm committed to that through and through."

The campaign for Gianna has raised more than $900,000 with a goal of $1 million, which it's expected to surpass. 

Another NHLer to make a strong, powerful statement that also included a donation is Boston Bruins forward Patrice Bergeron. The 34-year-old donated $25,000 each to the Boston NAACP and Centre Multiethnique de Quebec in Canada.

San Jose Sharks forward Evander Kane was among some of the first athletes who spoke out against racism and police brutality. He also called for athletes to speak up on the matter and be the role models that 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.

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