Previously, Dak Prescott was criticized by the Black community for kicking against the NFL players who protested police brutality by kneeling for the national anthem. Over time, it seemed he had repaired his reputation as he sends a message of support to the George Floyd protesters this week.
The Dallas Cowboys star equally said he would donate $1 million to improve police training and “address systematic racism through education and advocacy.”
Prescott further said he doesn’t think that looting and violence would bring justice for Black people but believes protesting is a sign of power.
“As our communities take action protesting and fighting for the justice of George Floyd and every Black life, I am with you,” he wrote in a June 3 Instagram post. “I have viewed these protests and riots in our streets as a form of strength and an attempt to show we as Black people have rights that aren’t being perceived equally as our counterparts.”
Prescott added that the death of his brother, Jace Prescott reminded him of their shared goal of finding a bigger purpose in life, hence, the donation. Jace Prescott died in April at 31 years old from unknown causes.
The star then encouraged people to welcome different races and cultures, before he went on to address the police.
“I have the utmost respect for those of you with a passion for protecting and serving communities,” he said in the post. “When you chose to wear the badge of a police officer, you pledged to protect life and property through the enforcement of our laws and regulations. How can you claim to uphold the law when those within your own ranks don’t abide by it?”
“You need to hold your own accountable,” Prescott continued. “Each of you is as guilty as the men who stood beside Derek Chauvin if you do not stand up against the systematic racism plaguing our police forces nationwide. Take action.”
Derek Chauvin is the former Minneapolis police officer who knelt on Floyd’s necking prior to his death. Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder, but it was upgraded to second-degree murder on June 3. He was also charged for second-degree manslaughter.
The other three officers, Thomas Lane, J. Alexander Kueng, and Tou Thao, who were present on the scene during the arrest that led to Floyd’s death were charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.
