CEO Derek Jeter, Marlins players show support for George Floyd protests and black community

Across the United States, people of all races organized in recent days to protest ongoing discrimination in this country, and specifically, the unjustified killing of black men like the late George Floyd. It’s a critical time to listen to what African Americans have to say and to cooperate with them in developing solutions that bring tangible change to our communities.

Widely recognized for his Hall of Fame playing career and raised by a black father, Marlins CEO Derek Jeter has one of the most powerful voices in this national dialogue. He released a statement on Monday via the team’s social media accounts:

@Marlins/Twitter

I am deeply saddened by the death of George Floyd and feel the pain and outrage it has caused his family and people throughout the world. This is a narrative that has happened for too often with us as people of color. It is time for racial hatred to end and to be unquestionably recognized and responded to with severe punishment.

It’s encouraging to see people of all colors around the world speaking out and protesting another human tragedy that has too often been the death of a black person. No one should be excused from acts of racial hatred. Please do not allow anyone to demonize those who are standing up against these acts.

I hope that my children and nephews don’t have to live in a society where people are unjustly treated because of the color of their skin.

I hope that their white friends grow up to recognize that it is not only enough to verbalize their non-racist views, but also to participate at an active level to eradicate racism.

I hope we can all denounce the incidious signs of racial hatred and take action as human beings.

Marlins right-handers Sterling Sharp and Jordan Yamamoto and catcher Ryan Lavarnway were among those to address the protests over the weekend on social media: