Athletes and notable names from the world of sports are speaking up as protests continue following the death of George Floyd last this week in Minneapolis.
Als RB Wilder leads CFLers message against racism and police brutality
Montreal Alouettes running back James Wilder Jr. posted a video to social media Tuesday of a number of CFL players sharing a message against systemic racism and police brutality.
Called on some of my brothers all round the @cfl to openly stand with me against Systematic Racism and Police Brutality WITHOUT hesiststion they STOOD!!! Now WE call on YOU to Proudly stand with us!!!! SILENCE IS VIOLENCE!!!!! ✊????✊????✊????✊????✊????#STANDTOGETHER#CFL#getWILDERpic.twitter.com/Wx45fyNkCP
“Called on some of my brothers all round the CFL to openly stand with me against Systemic Racism and Police Brutality. WITHOUT hesitation they STOOD!!! Now WE call on YOU to Proudly stand with us!!!! SILENCE IS VIOLENCE!!!!! #STANDTOGETHER
Among the CFLers to share the message were Adam Bighill, Henoc Muamba, Mike Reilly, Zach Collaros, Dacid Casarrubias, Bo Levi Mitchell, Shawn Lemon, Cody Fajardo, Dylan ynn, McLeod Bethel-Thompson, Timothy Flanders, and Trevor Harris.
Toronto Argonauts receiver Juwan Brescacin also posted a message on social media, saying “we need to reach one common goal together which is equality.”
Ottawa Redblacks quarterback Nick Arbuckle joined the conversation on Tuesday as well.
“An entire half of my family shares the same skin colour as George Floyd, who was murdered by the police in Minneapolis last week. My wife is Black and our beautiful newborn daughter, Aaliyah, is biracial,” part of the statement read. “Even with Aaliyah being biracial, which comes with its own challenges, she will undoubtedly be viewed as Black in America when it comes to the justice system, school applications, police interactions, and everything else where prejudice and racism exists.
“That’s one of the things that has made it most difficult to find the words to express during these times.”
Struble: Being silent doesn’t ignite change
Defenceman prospect Jayden Struble, selected by the Montreal Canadiens in the second round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, shared a powerful message on Twitter Tuesday morning.
Struble said he’s angry with how many black lives have been taken without any consequences.
“To start I wanna say that I’ve been angry for a while now. Angry that I keep seeing innocent black lives taken at such a rate that the news seems incomplete without another victim,” said Struble, who is African American. “I’m angry that time and time again this country lets us know that black lives are disposable without any consequence. Angry that the “every man is equal” slogan proves to be just a slogan in this country.”
The 18-year-old went on to support the protests in North America and criticized people who are referring to the rioters as “thugs.”
“First of all these people rioting are not thugs, they’re not criminals, they’re not lower than you,” he wrote. “They are people so broken down by years of systematic racism, and discrimination, in a country who stands for freedom and equality. They’re people who have watched brothers and sisters, friends, and/or other people of colour be beaten, killed, and belittled, asking for help and justice, without the slightest hint of support or change. Peaceful protests got us NOWHERE. So before you u label people thugs, think about where this country could be if people in power listened, helped and implemented change.”
Tiger Woods took to Twitter Monday night to speak out for the first time since Floyd’s death.
“I have always had the utmost respect for our law enforcement,” Woods said. “They train so diligently to understand how, when and where to use force. This shocking tragedy clearly crossed that line.”
Woods condemned the looting that has taken place in some areas, stating he learned from the Los Angeles riots in 1992 that “education is the best path forward.”
“We can make our points without burning the very neighborhoods we live in,” Woods said. “I hope that through constructive, honest conversations we can build a safer, unified society.”
Griffin III: No brand is more valuable than human rights
Speak up & stop worrying about losing fans or hurting your brand. No brand is more valuable than human rights.
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner and goalie Frederik Andersen was two of many professional athletes and organizations to participate in #BlackoutDay on Twitter on Tuesday.
“I’ve been searching for the right thing to say – but I realize that now is the time to listen with intent, understanding and learn how we can help,” wrote Marner.
I’ve been searching for the right thing to say – but I realize that now is the time to listen with intent, understanding and learn how we can help #blackoutdaypic.twitter.com/avFsjOxI9U
Andersen added shortly later: “Humanity can be incredible, and people have the capacity for so much more. Let’s all fight racism and hate and unite with compassion, respect and love.”
Humanity can be incredible, and people have the capacity for so much more.
Tampa Bay Lightning star Steven Stamkos took to Twitter Tuesday morning regarding the death of George Floyd and the ongoing protests in the United States.
“I have watched, I have listened and now I am ready to speak. Since the senseless killing of George Floyd, I have had a hard time trying to articulate a way of expressing how I truly fell. Am I scared? Do I feel a sense of guilt being a white man? Am I part of the problem if I remain silent,” Stamkos wrote. ” I have watched and listened to the peaceful gatherings of people in protest and I have nothing but compassion and respect for that. I have also watched the looting and the riots. I certainly don’t approve of those action, but as many of YOU have opened my eyes to, I see that these action may be coming from real pain and suffering. I can at least try to comprehend that.”
The 30-year-old went on to say that he’ll continue to educate himself on the issue pf racism and encourages others to step up and speak up against it.
“I know that we don’t have all the answers right now, but I believe we can come together and continue this fight for change and a better tomorrow.”
New York Rangers defenceman Jacob Trouba says “as a privileged white male, it’s easy for me to live in this country,” and that even though it’s important to speak up when it comes to racial injustice, it’s “equally important to listen.”
“It’s been tough for me to find the words to say, so I haven’t. I’ve been listening. Educating myself. Letting others educate me before I speak. I thought I understood, but I didn’t. As a privileged white male, it’s easy for me to live in this country.
“I’ve always heard about the pain and fear of others but I don’t know if I ever truly sat with it and tried to imagine. I know that I will never know what it’s like. And now I know that as important as it is to speak up, it’s equally important to listen.
“Talk with your friends about racism, Black and White. Start conversations, self-reflect, listen, and engage. Black lives matter.”
It’s been tough for me to find the words to say, so I haven’t. I’ve been listening. Educating myself. Letting others educate me before I speak. I thought I understood, but I didn’t. As a privileged white male, it’s easy for me to live in this country.
Chargers coach Lynn discusses racial injustice: ‘I don’t want to just put [a statement] out there because it’s the right thing to do. I want change.’
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn shared his thoughts on George Floyd’s death and the ongoing protests, and racial injustice to LZ Granderson of the Los Angeles Times Tuesday, saying he’s ‘pissed off’ and wanted to do more than put out a statement.
“I’ve read some good statements,” Lynn told the LA Times. “I read Brian Flores from the Dolphins and I agree 100% with him. I read Doc Rivers’ statement and those guys spoke from the heart. I think statements are needed to bring awareness to the situation. But I want to do something too. I don’t want to just put [a statement] out there because it’s the right thing to do. I want change.”
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“I haven’t done anything to make this a better place for my son. I remember having the talk with him when he was 16 about how to handle police and then at age 30 I called him up and just had the talk with him again because I’m so scared. I want to do something but to be honest with you, I don’t know what that is.”
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“How do we effect that type of change? Where’s the accountability for that kind of [expletive]? That’s where I’m at right now. I’m angry, I’m pissed off and I don’t want to just put out a pretty statement.”
MLB memo on addressing injustice
Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred issued an internal memo to all MLB employees on Monday concerning the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and the subsequent protests around the United States. Manfred said baseball wants to be part of the solution.
“Addressing injustice requires action. Together we must bring about change. Baseball wants to be part of the solution,” the memo read.
A number of teams released statements Tuesday morning including the Milwaukee Brewers and New York Mets .
“Racism and silence in the face of it cannot be tolerated,” the Brewers statement read. The Brewers also said they are committed to working with their community to effect meaningful and lasting change.
Former Toronto Blue Jays and current New York Mets pitcher Marcus Stroman retweeted the Mets’ statement with the caption BLACK LIVES MATTER.
American international RB Yedlin shares emotional message on Twitter
American international and Newcastle United RB DeAndre Yedlin shared an emotional message on Twitter Tuesday after the death of George Floyd.
Yedlin, who has represented the United States in international soccer, said his heart goes out in solidarity to George Floyd and his family, and “all of the countless number of victims that have had their lives taken at the hands of meaningless police brutality.”
A couple days after George Floyd’s death, my grandfather texted me and told me he’s glad that I am not living in the U.S. right now because he would fear for my life as a young black man. As days have passed, this text from my grandfather has not been able to leave my mind.
Monty Williams validates Suns players’ feelings amid civil unrest
Monty Williams validates Suns players’ feelings amid civil unrest
Phoenix Suns coach Monty Williams provides insight into the conversation he had with Suns players to express his support for their feelings about injustice.
TORONTO – The Toronto Maple Leafs have announced cookie brand Oreo as the team’s helmet sponsor for the upcoming NHL season.
The new helmet will debut Sunday when Toronto opens its 2024-25 pre-season against the Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Arena.
The Oreo logo replaces Canadian restaurant chain Pizza Pizza, which was the Leafs’ helmet sponsor last season.
Previously, social media platform TikTok sponsored Toronto starting in the 2021-22 regular season when the league began allowing teams to sell advertising space on helmets.
The Oreo cookie consists of two chocolate biscuits around a white icing filling and is often dipped in milk.
Fittingly, the Leafs wear the Dairy Farmers of Ontario’s “Milk” logo on their jerseys.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 17, 2024.
MacKenzie Weegar wasn’t bitter or upset as he watched friends live out their dreams.
The Calgary Flames defenceman just hopes to experience the same feeling one day. He also knows the road leading to that moment, if it does arrive, will likely be long and winding — much like his own path.
A seventh-round pick by the Florida Panthers at the 2013 NHL draft, Weegar climbed the ranks to become an important piece of a roster that captured the Presidents’ Trophy as the league’s top regular-season club in 2021-22.
Two months later following a second-round playoff exit, he was traded to the Flames along with Jonathan Huberdeau for Matthew Tkachuk. And less than two years after that, the Panthers were hoisting the Stanley Cup.
“Happy for the city and for the team,” Weegar said of Florida’s June victory over the Edmonton Oilers. “There was no bad taste in my mouth.”
His sole focus, he insists, is squarely on eventually getting the Flames to the same spot. The landscape, however, has changed drastically since Weegar committed to Calgary on an eight-year, US$50-million contract extension in October 2022.
Weegar has watched a list that includes goaltender Jacob Markstrom, defencemen Chris Tanev, Noah Hanifin and Nikita Zadorov and forwards Elias Lindholm and Andrew Mangiapane shipped out of town since the start of last season — largely for picks, prospects and young players as part of a rebuild.
Despite that exodus, he remains committed to the Calgary project steered by general manager Craig Conroy.
“It’s easy to get out of all whack when you see guys trying to leave or wanting new contracts,” the 30-year-old from Ottawa said at last week’s NHL/NHLPA player media tour in Las Vegas. “I just focus on where I am and where I want to be, and that’s Calgary.
“I believe in this team. The city has taken me in right away. I feel like I owe it to them to stick around and grind through these years and get a Stanley Cup.”
The hard-nosed blueliner certainly knows what it is to grind.
After winning the Memorial Cup alongside Nathan MacKinnon with the Halifax Mooseheads in 2013, Weegar toiled in the ECHL and American Hockey League for three seasons before making his NHL debut late in the 2016-17 campaign with the Panthers.
He would spend the next five years in South Florida as one of the players tasked with shifting an organizational culture that had experienced little success over the previous two decades.
“There’s always going to be a piece of my heart and loyalty to that team,” Weegar said. “But now I’m in a different situation … I compete against all 32 teams, not just Florida. There’s always a chip on my shoulder every single year.”
Weegar set career highs with 20 goals — eight was the most he had ever previously registered — and 52 points in 2023-24 as part of a breakout offensive performance.
“I think my buddies cared a lot more than I did,” he said with a smile. “All I hear is, ‘fantasy, fantasy, fantasy.'”
Weegar was actually more proud of his 200 blocked shots and 194 hits as he looks to help set a new Flames’ standard alongside Huberdeau, captain Mikael Backlund, Nazem Kadri, Blake Coleman and Rasmus Andersson for a franchise expected to have its new arena in time for the 2027-28 season.
“You have to build that culture and that belief in the locker room,” said Weegar, who pointed to 22-year-old centre Connor Zary as a player set to pop. “Those young guys are going to have to come into their own and be consistent every night … they’re the next generation.”
Weegar, however, isn’t punting on 2024-25. He pointed to the NHL’s parity and the fact a couple of teams surprise every season.
It’s the same approach that took him from the ECHL a decade ago to hockey’s premier pre-season event inside a swanky hotel on Sin City’s famed strip, where he stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the game’s best.
“From the outside — media and even friends and family — the expectations are probably a bit lower,” Weegar said of Calgary’s outlook. “But there’s no reason to think that we can’t make playoffs and we can’t be a good team (with) that underdog mentality.
“You never know.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept 17, 2024.
Jose Maria Celestino da Costa was named vice-president and head of soccer operations while Marianne Brooks was appointed vice-president of partnerships, Kelly Shouldice as vice-president of brand and content and Joyce Sou as vice-president of finance and business operations.
The new six-team women’s pro league is set to kick off in April.
“Their unique expertise and leadership are crucial as we lay the foundation for not just a successful league in Canada, but one that stands among the top sports leagues in the world,” NSL president Christina Litz said in a statement. “By investing in top-tier talent and infrastructure, the Northern Super League is committed to creating a league that will elevate the game and set new standards for women’s professional soccer globally.”
Da Costa will oversee all on-field matters, including officiating. His resume includes stints with Estoril Praia, a men’s first-division team in Portugal, and the Portuguese Soccer Federation, where he helped develop the Portuguese women’s league.
Brooks spent a decade with Canucks Sports & Entertainment, working in “partnership sales and retention efforts” for the Vancouver Canucks, Vancouver Warriors, and Rogers Arena. Most recently, she served as senior director of account management at StellarAlgo, a software company that helps pro sports teams connect with their fans
Shouldice has worked for Corus Entertainment, the Canadian Football League, and most recently as vice-president of Content and Communications at True North Sports & Entertainment, where she managed original content as well as business and hockey communications.
Sou, who was involved in the league’s initial launch, will oversee financial planning, analysis and the league’s expansion strategy in her new role.
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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 17, 2024.
