One too many times, athletes are told to “stick to sports” and keep quiet on important issues affecting the world around them. Whether this is because some feel that they do not have the authority to speak on key social or political issues or that others believe they should simply stay quiet and “entertain,” many athletes feel compelled to stay silent.
Marcus Stroman, along with some of his fellow athletes, did not feel the same.
On Saturday, protests continued across the country following the murder of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer using excessive force. Floyd’s death has reignited outrage and calls for action in regards to police brutality, while serving as a painful reminder of those we lost before him – Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Eric Garner, among others – whose deaths were a result of a flagrant act of violence.
Stroman took to his own Twitter on Saturday to speak out on the injustice, saying that “Racism is engrained in our society/culture and the world seems incapable of change.” Stroman went on to say that “To change the world we must begin with ourselves. Truly look in the mirror and identify if you’re part of the problem or the solution.”
The pitcher ended poignantly, stating “Your true colors will always be revealed!”
Stroman also voiced his support of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, calling him a “leader” and an “unbelievable, uplifting, and articulate individual.”
Several New York athletes have also joined Stroman and many others in speaking out against the recent injustices. According to Alex Smith of SNY, Knicks point guard Dennis Smith Jr. joined an in-person protest in Fayetteville, N.C., while the Devils’ P.K. Subban tweeted out an image of Floyd along with the hashtag “#justiceforgeorgefloyd.”
Former Giant Odell Beckham Jr. followed suit, tweeting “I want better for us. Everyone.”
