Getty Images
Raiders owner Mark Davis did not shy away from social media criticism of his team’s tweet that followed Derek Chauvin’s conviction on all counts in connection with the murder of George Floyd. Floyd’s family has expressed gratitude, not condemnation, for the message Davis sent.
“On behalf of our family, I would like to express our deep gratitude to the Las Vegas Raiders organization and its leadership for their support of our family and for our country’s continued pursuit of justice and equality for all,” Floyd’s brother, Philonise Floyd, said, via the Associated Press. “Now, more than ever, we must come together as one and continue in this battle. For the first time in almost a year, our family has taken a breath. And I know that is the same for so many all over the nation and the world. Let’s take a breath together in honor of my big brother who couldn’t. Let’s do it for George. “
Davis explained after the tweet caused outrage that he intended it to reflect the feelings of the Floyd family.
“It was taken negatively by 99% of the people,” Davis said, through the US AP. “That happens. That’s part of social media.”
Indeed. No matter what someone says on any topic, someone on social media is ready to attack. Davis, to his credit, insisted that the message from him and the team – I CAN BREATHE – properly honored the moment of justice for a man whose plea to Chauvin, “I can’t breathe,” was ignored. .
That is the deeper message from Davis and the Raiders. It’s important to ignore the sound of the millions that can pass a megaphone that resonates for a moment, but that doesn’t mean anything in the end. Davis said what he meant, meant what he said, and the Floyd family appreciated it. If anyone else has a problem with that, it’s their problem.