sport news NFL weighs in on 'senseless' Tyre Nichols killing, insists it is 'committed to ... trends now
The National Football League has released a statement condemning the 'senseless' killing of 29-year-old Memphis man Tyre Nichols as the United States breaks out in protests.
Memphis police released video of the events leading to Nichols' death, when officers beat him under the suspicion of reckless driving.
Nichols died in the hospital just days after being beaten - with video showing him calling out for his mother after the assault that took place just blocks away from his house.
The NFL released a statement on Saturday, offering condolences to the family of Tyre Nichols
Tyre Nichols is pictured in hospital. The 29-year-old from Memphis died on January 10 from cardiac arrest and kidney failure, three days after he was pulled over for reckless driving by police in unmarked cars
The NFL - which has a history of supporting law enforcement while silencing players critical of police practices - said they're 'committed' to fighting injustice without mentioning officers in their statement.
'The NFL mourns the tragic and senseless death of Tyre Nichols, and we send our condolences to his loved ones and the Memphis community,' a statement from the league read.
'We remain deeply committed to combating the injustices and inequities that plague our society and will continue to work with our social justice partners to support our communities and fight for change.'
The statement said the league is 'deeply committed' to fighting for social justice in the USA
The league has punished players like Colin Kaepernick who protest against police brutality
It was just a few years ago that players decided to kneel for the national anthem in protest of police brutality. Notably, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick was among the first to publicly take this form of protest.
Kaepernick's protest was taken as offensive by some people and he was not re-signed by the 49ers - despite leading the team in passer rating and touchdowns on a squad in the middle of a massive re-build.
He filed a grievance against the league, accusing the owners of colluding to keep him from playing. The NFL settled with both Kaepernick and his fellow protester and former Niners teammate Eric Reid.
Kaepernick had his first workout with a team since being cut back in May of this year, when the Raiders brought him in. He did not sign a contract with the team.
The NFL Players Association also published a statement in the aftermath of the videos' release
The NFL Players Association also released a statement on Saturday, offering similar sentiments to the Nichols family.
'Our prayers go out to the family and friends of Tyre Nichols and everyone in the Memphis community who are all traumatized by this senseless killing,' the statement read.
'We are all saddened by his death and we mourn with you.
'This is yet another reminder that there is much work to be done in the fight against injustice in our country, and the work of our union and players to combat it must press on.
The Memphis Grizzlies released a statement, supporting 'one of its own'
