It was an unprecedented day in the world of sports with nearly every major professional sports league refusing to play games to protest the shooting of Jacob Blake by police.
Even the NFL took action with nine teams cancelling practice to raise awareness for racial injustice and police brutality. Although the Los Angeles Rams were not among them, it was still a topic of discussion for the team.
The Rams took a similar approach in the aftermath of the death of George Floyd back when teams were limited to virtual meetings. They seem to understand full well that efforts must continue to be made in order to help spark true change.
Wide receiver Robert Woods revealed the team discussions centered around ways to impact the community, via Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic:
“We’re trying to use our voices, use our platform to actually affect change,” Woods said, addressing reporters while wearing a shirt that said “Vote.” “Everybody is aware and is now trying to take action. … If we cancel practice, we need to take action. We need to take a bus and go somewhere and get some changes done — not just cancel practice and have a moment of silence, you know, sit at home.
“I think it’s time to actually get involved, and that’s what we talked about this morning — getting in some of our players’ pockets. Going out and trying to change stuff in our actual community, trying to challenge teams around the whole league to just … it’s time to get involved.”
Woods added that voting is the first step toward making it come to fruition:
“You have to get up and vote,” Woods said. “It’s so political, this game. You first get into it and you want to stay away from race, politics, religion. But now that’s all we are talking about and you have to be involved. It’s not just speaking, it’s actually changing laws and getting things implemented. You see what happened with Breonna Taylor, the cops — I feel like they are murderers and they’re still on the streets.
“I feel like change needs to happen. It comes down to laws and policies that are allowing these people to still be free. I think we can actually vote and make these changes. … I think justice is going to be served, and people will be held accountable.”
The Rams have never passed up on an opportunity to better the neighboring communities during times of social unease. This has been made clear by their efforts throughout the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Star cornerback Jalen Ramsey has already gotten a head start by pledging to donate $1 million to Purpose Preparatory Academy in his native Nashville to help children in need receive a proper education. Head coach Sean McVay also made a $25,000 donation to the Play Equity Fund to enable kids to stay active during the ongoing pandemic.
Woods’ comments indicate that he will also be taking on an active role to help usher in change by encouraging people to vote. It will be interesting to see what plans players have to keep the protests going during the 2020 NFL season.
