NFL commits to spend $250 million on social justice initiatives
The National Football League (NFL) Announced a commitment on Thursday to spend $250 million on social justice initiatives. The money will be spent to support the battle against the injustices faced by African Americans. The league generated $44 million through its Inspire Change program. The League officials announced an additional $206 million to be spent over the next ten years.
The league officials said that they would collaborate with players to support several programs related to the social injustice faced by African Americans. These programs will address police reforms, criminal justice reforms, educational advancement, and economic advancement. Roger Goodell, the commissioner of the league, denounced racism in a video less than a week ago. The players urged the NFL to take action against the racism in a video.
Goodell said, “I am listening and I will reach out to the players who raised their voices and others.” He shared his commitment toward making the NFL family strong and united. The NFL players want definitive action in this regard. In 2016, Colin Kaepernick, the quarterback of San Francisco and others began kneeling during the national anthem. They protested against the police brutality and social injustice in this way.
A rise in the distrust of the NFL has been witnessed since then. Richard Sherman, the cornerback of 49ers, also showed distrust on Wednesday. He said, “’Black Lives Matter’. They have to matter forever.” In 2017, the Players Coalition was founded to address social injustice. The Coalition collected over 1400 signatures from players, coaches, and executives of different sports last week. It presented the signatures in Congress this week in support of a bill related to the police brutality.
Anna Isaacson, the senior vice-president of the league’s social responsibility, said that the league was working with Big Brothers and Big Sisters and Metro Peace Academy to support social justice.
