Roger Goodell Admits NFL Was Wrong for Not Listening to Players, Will Encourage Peaceful Protests

Roger Goodell, the commissioner of the NFL, is speaking out on racism in America and how the NFL was wrong for not listening to players earlier.

Colin Kaepernick was the quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers for six seasons and he began protesting against racial injustice and police brutality by kneeling during the national anthem. He became a free agent after the 2016 season and went unsigned. Colin hasn’t played football since then and he filed a grievance against the NFL, though he withdrew it after reaching a confidential settlement with the league.

Now, Goodell admits the league should have listened to players about racial injustice.

“It has been a difficult time for our country, In particular, black people in our country,” Goodell said in a new video. “First, my condolences to the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmuad Arbery and all the families, who have endured police brutality.”

“We, the National Football League, comdemn racism and the systematic oppression, of black people. We, the National Football League, admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier, and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest. We, the National Football League, believe Black Lives Matter. I personally protest with you and wanted to be part of the much-needed change in this country,” he added.

Goodell continued, “Without black players, there would be no National Football League. And the protests around the country are emblematic of the centuries of silence, inequality and oppression of black players, coaches, fans and staff. We are listening. I am listening. And I will be reaching out to players who have raised their voices and others on how we can improve and go forward for a better and more united NFL family.”