As communities across the United States come together calling for positive change, the Cincinnati Bengals became the latest NFL team to support those calling for change.
Following the death of George Floyd in police custody, with millions protesting across the globe, the Bengals broke their silence with actions and a statement of support.
Cincinnati Bengals commit $250,000 to player-chosen community initiatives
In the statement, the team explained its rationale for not speaking out earlier and detailed the steps it will take to bring about change in the United States.
“The Bengals organization believes that fighting prejudice and discrimination requires action but to do so we have to listen first,” the team said, via statement. “Serious problems have been with us too long. Our Club has a proud tradition of opposing discrimination and of promoting equality through action, starting when team founder Paul Brown helped break professional sports’ color barrier in 1946 with Marion Motley and Bill Willis. Those are the principles on which the franchise was founded and those are the same principles that guide our organization’s thoughts and actions today.
Cincinnati will seek input from its players and coaching staff to help determine which community organizations the donations will be given to. However, the team is committed to ensuring the money is given to groups that help create positive change, fight against police brutality and support black communities.
The decision will certainly be supported by Joe Burrow, who spoke out following Floyd’s death. We look forward to seeing which organizations the players choose to put this incredible donation towards.