Steelers' Art Rooney II issues statement on killing of George Floyd

Pittsburgh Steelers president Art Rooney II released a statement Wednesday morning regarding the killing of George Floyd last week at the hands of Minneapolis police officers and the protesting that has taken place in cities all over the country.

“Over the last week, we have witnessed the anger and frustration in our city and around the country relating to the killing of George Floyd and the recent deaths of African-American men and women,” Rooney said. “We have also witnessed the good in so many people who have peacefully expressed their concerns.

“I am proud to hear the voices of many of our players who have spoken out against racism and injustice and called for unity. As an organization, we will continue to listen to our players, coaches, alumni and leaders in our community and work together to bring awareness and change in the effort to create a more fair and equal community.”

Linebacker T.J. Watt used his Twitter account to speak out about Floyd’s death.

“I typically keep my social media lighthearted and fun,” Watt wrote, “but I realize that staying silent will not create change. Therefore, I want to express my feelings on the issue as I continue listening and trying to understand how I can help.

“Over the last week I have struggled to comprehend what I saw and express what I want to say in words. What George Floyd went through was absolutely disgusting, hateful and unacceptable.

“It is clear that there is a problem, and we need to find a solution. I don’t have that solution, but I hope to somehow be a part of it. Nobody should live in fear because of the color of their skin. Nobody.”

The Steelers also released statements from several players based on comments from their social media pages. Two of the most outspoken Steelers players have been defensive captain Cameron Heyward and running back James Conner.

Said Heyward:

“A friend, a brother, a father, a son, just someone you meet, these are different ways people might know George Floyd. To know that the color of my skin could be at the discretion of someone who is supposed to protect is truly disheartening. I’m praying for the Floyd family.

“To know a brother, a friend or someone I care about could be gone due to this just hurts. It’s not acceptable. Thank you for the people who do serve the right way and continue to protect our freedoms. I wish all held up his end and cared for all.

“We all have people we care about and the fact that we can’t believe in everyone who is in the position of power to keep all safe angers me and tears me up. Change must happen. Our children are inheriting a world that is not improving. Life should be precious.

“I still can’t find my words to make sense of it all. Too many have died, and not enough has changed.”

Said Conner:

“If we keep showing hate and violence, we will continue to have hate and violence. If we keep showing peace and love, we will have peace and love. I’ve retweeted disturbing and negative videos to HOPE they understand, but I will only be posting love from here on out. We know what’s been done and know it’s wrong.

“Make the Twitter timeline full of positivity. Like I said, I’ve been guilty of retweeting negative content, but that’s not it. They want the sickening and shameless videos at 100,000+ retweets to keep us divided. Make unity and togetherness the only content we see.”