NHLPA chief: 'I'm really proud of the guys' protesting racism

In the week following George Floyd's death, many NHL players have begun to denounce racial injustice and police brutality. Although it took a while for players and organizations to speak up, NHLPA executive director Don Fehr is proud of the league's athletes for speaking out.

"I'm really proud of the guys," Fehr said, according to CTV News. "They understand it's an important moment. They understand what the issues are, at least in the grand scope. And they're making their voice heard. Not everybody, but quite a lot. And that's to their credit."

Among players who have taken a more prominent stance against racism include Boston Bruins forward Patrice Bergeron, who donated $25,000 each to the Boston NAACP and Centre Multiethnique de Quebec in Canada; Bruins captain Zdeno Chara, who attended protests and made an emotional statement via Instagram; and Dallas Stars forward Tyler Seguin, who took the time to educate himself on the issues and attend protests as well.

San Jose Sharks forward Evander Kane and New Jersey Devils defenseman P.K. Subban, two of the more prominent black players in the NHL, also encouraged their peers to speak up, and Subban even donated $50,000 to a fundraiser for Floyd's daughter Gianna. 

Players around the league have been stepping up since Floyd, an African American man, died last week after he was violently apprehended by former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. The incident was recorded on video by a witness.

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

Floyd was later pronounced dead at the hospital. Chauvin was arrested last Friday on charges of third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. On June 3, Chauvin's charge was upgraded to second-degree murder, and three other now-former officers who were on the scene are facing charges.