NWSL, MLS, U.S. Soccer react to guilty verdict in Derek Chauvin case
The U.S. Soccer federation and the National Women’s Soccer League shared statements of support for the family of George Floyd and the Black community following Tuesday’s verdict for the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin.
Chauvin was found guilty of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter by a jury. Chauvin knelt on Floyd’s neck for 9 minutes, 29 seconds during an arrest on May 25, 2020.
Viral videos of the murder sparked a widespread movement for racial justice and antiracist action last summer.
A jury found Chauvin guilty on all three counts after more than 10 hours of deliberation this week. Chauvin now faces a 40-year maximum sentence.
Following the murders of Floyd and Breonna Taylor last spring, NWSL players knelt in protest during the national anthem ahead of every game of the Challenge Cup. Later in the year, players formed the Black Women’s Player Collective to support and further antiracism throughout the league and women’s soccer.
The NWSL responded to Chauvin’s verdict in a statement Tuesday.
“The NWSL and the NWSLPA remain united in our condemnation of violence and racism,” the statement from the NWSL read. “We stand in solidarity with George Floyd’s family, friends and the Black community. Today’s verdict closes one chapter, but much more work lies ahead. Working together, we commit to confronting racism and discrimination and to using our voices to advance racial justice in our unwavering belief that Black Lives Matter.”
Major League Soccer players united throughout the MLS is Back tournament to protest racist violence. Players wore Black Lives Matter warm-up shirts and knelt in unison ahead of every match.
Players throughout the league formed the Black Players for Change coalition last summer, creating initiatives in partnership with the league to promote Black leaders in the league and make the sport more accessible throughout the U.S.
“Major League Soccer is united in unequivocally condemning violence, discrimination and and hate in all of its destructive forms and stands in solidarity with George Floyd’s family, friends, the Black community and its allies,” MLS said in a statement. “While today’s verdict cannot cure the indescribable pain of a human life violently taken, it honors the sanctity of George Floyd’s life and reaffirms that a Black life matters.
“MLS, its clubs, the MLSPA and its players will continue to take actions to advance equality, peace and healing. Justice for one must not overshadow the cry for equal justice for all.”
U.S. national team stars like Megan Rapinoe and Jozy Altidore have been outspoken in denouncing police brutality and racial violence throughout the past year.
After the federation previously banned players from kneeling in protest of racism during the national anthem, players on the U.S. men’s and women’s teams wore Black Lives Matter warmups ahead of matches throughout the last year.
U.S. Soccer released a statement Tuesday night reiterating support for George Floyd’s family and calling for the federation to lead the way in creating lasting change.
“Today’s verdict is one of justice for George Floyd’s family,” the statement from U.S. Soccer read. “It does not, however, ease the heartbreak or represent closure. In fact, the ruling serves as a reminder that we all have a responsibility to challenge and end the systemic racism, discrimination and hatred that continues to surface in our neighborhoods, schools, workplaces and lives.”
“As the national governing body of our sport, U.S. Soccer will be a voice for social justice, diversity, equity and inclusion, and we are committed to inspiring change that will be meaningful and lasting. U.S. Soccer has an obligation to lead in this effort on behalf of our membership and National Teams, both of which reflect the diversity of who we are – and have always been – as a nation.”
This article first appeared on OrlandoSentinel.com. Email Julia Poe at jpoe@orlandosentinel.com.
