Penguins president and CEO David Morehouse dragged the cameraman to safety inside the PPG Paints Arena. Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Penguins CEO saves cameraman's life during violent protests

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 5/31/20

Pittsburgh Penguins president and CEO David Morehouse was a hero Saturday when he saved the life of a cameraman who was injured during protests that turned violent outside of PPG Paints Arena.

KDKA-TV's Ian Smith was thrown to the ground, and his camera was broken as he was leaving the area in front of the arena. Morehouse brought Smith inside the Penguins home rink to keep him safe, ultimately saving his life, and called an ambulance to bring him to the hospital, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

I’m was attacked by protestors downtown by the arena. They stomped and kicked me. I’m bruised and bloody but alive. My camera was destroyed. Another group of protesters pulled me out and saved my life. Thank you! @KDKA pic.twitter.com/clyANKodth
— Ian Smith (@ismithKDKA) May 30, 2020

The protests and violence sweeping the nation are in response to the death of George Floyd on Monday, and Morehouse isn't the only sports executive to take a stand against violence. Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores released an emotional statement in response to Floyd's death, and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell also made a statement on the matter, among other people.

Floyd, an African American man, died Monday after being restrained by police for alleged forgery. An officer put immense pressure on Floyd's neck with his knee as he was on the ground fighting for his life. A witness's video surfaced showing Floyd begging for his life and saying he couldn't breathe. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

The officer who knelt on Floyd's neck, Derek Chauvin, was arrested Friday and charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

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