New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis has expressed support for the NFL’s announced plans to play the black national anthem before all of Week 1 games in the 2020 season.
Davis, a leader in social justice outside and on the field, told Sports Illustrated Jets Country this weekend that he was hosting “Lift Ev’ry Voice”, but knows there is still a lot to do in matters of racial equality in the US
NFL TO PLAY BLACK NATIONAL HYMN BEFORE WEEK 1 GAMES, SAYS REPORT
“I think the idea of playing the song comes with good intentions,” said Davis. “But what matters most is that we address the problems plaguing black communities, including racism and all forms of systematic injustice.”
The decision to play the song came after the death of Minneapolis man George Floyd, which led to nationwide protests against racial inequality and police brutality.
According to the ESPN report, the song will be played before “The Star-Spangled Banner”.
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The NFL did not comment on the reported decision.
Senator Ted Cruz, R-Texas, was among those wondering what the point of playing the song was.
The league and the NFL Players Association are also planning to list the names of victims on uniforms through decals on helmets or patches on shirts, ESPN reported. The NFL can also produce educational programs on victims. They also have other plans that have not been identified.
The league hopes it demonstrates “a real commitment to the public, the players and the coaches and that the players’ voices continue to be heard,” said the ESPN source.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell released a video last month admitting that the league was wrong for not listening to their players when they knelt during the national anthem to protest racial injustice and brutality policewoman.
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“We at the National Football League believe that Black Lives Matter,” said Goodell in the video. “I personally protest with you and want to be part of the much-needed change in this country.
“Without black players, there would be no National Football League, and protests across the country are emblematic of centuries of silence, inequality and oppression by black players, coaches, supporters and staff. We listen, I listen and I will reach out to players who have raised their voices and to others on how we can improve and move forward for a better and more united NFL family. “
Dan Canova of Fox News contributed to this report.
