From LeBron James to Hamilton: Sporting icons condemn US police for the death of George Floyd

Sporting icons across the globe have expressed sorrow on the death of George Floyd in the United States with protests against police brutality though various means. 

 

LeBron James had become on of the first high-profile athletes, who took to social media to react on the death of an unarmed black man who had his face down as a white officer knelt on his neck for several minutes. 

The Los Angeles Lakers skipper captioned it:  “Do you understand NOW!!??!!?? Or is it still blurred to you?? #StayWoke”.

James went on to campaign against racism by different means. 

NBA legend Michael Jordan decried "ingrained racism" in the United States as the sports world's reaction to the death of unarmed black man George Floyd leapt leagues and continents.

"I am deeply saddened, truly pained and plain angry," Jordan said Sunday, as protests over Floyd's death on May 25 spawned violence and looting across the US. "I stand with those who are calling out the ingrained racism and violence toward people of color in our country.

Dortmund's English midfielder Jadon Sancho shows a "Justice for George Floyd" shirt as he celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the German first division Bundesliga football match SC Paderborn 07 and Borussia Dortmund

“First professional hat trick,” Sancho said on Twitter. “A bittersweet moment personally as there are more important things going on in the world today that we must address and help make a change. We have to come together as one & fight for justice. We are stronger together!”

“First professional hat trick,” Sancho said on Twitter. “A bittersweet moment personally as there are more important things going on in the world today that we must address and help make a change. We have to come together as one & fight for justice. We are stronger together!”

Achraf Hakimi lifted his jersey to deliver the same message as Sancho after scoring Dortmund's fourth goal at Paderborn

Achraf Hakimi joined his teammate Jadon Sancho Achraf Hakimi lifted his jersey to deliver the same message

US tennis great Serena Williams posted an Instagram video featuring a young African-American girl overcome by emotion as she addressed a public meeting, finally able to force out the words: "We are black people, and we shouldn't have to feel like this."

Marcus Thuram, 22-Year Old French forward, takes a knee to honor memory of George Floyd after scoring in the German Bundesliga match between Borussia Moenchengladbach v Union Berlin.

Thuram took a knee after scoring in Borussia Mönchengladbach’s 4-1 win over Union Berlin. The Gladbach forward scored in the first half and then dropped his left knee to the ground and rested his right arm on his right thigh as he bowed his head in reflection. He spent five seconds in this position before getting up again to continue.

“No explanation needed,” Gladbach said on Twitter with a picture of Thuram kneeling.

Six times Formula One motor racing champion Lewis Hamilton has criticised his sport for its silence on the killing of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died after a white US police officer knelt on his neck.

The death in Minneapolis triggered a wave of outrage and violent protests in the United States.

Hamilton, Formula One's first black world champion, spends much of his time in America and spoke out on the issue on Instagram on Sunday.

"I see those of you who are staying silent, some of you the biggest of stars yet you stay silent in the midst of injustice," wrote the Mercedes driver.

"Not a sign from anybody in my industry which of course is a white dominated sport. I’m one of the only people of colour there yet I stand alone," he added.

"I would have thought by now you would see why this happens and say something about it but you can’t stand alongside us. Just know I know who you ... are and I see you."

In a second post, Hamilton added: "I do not stand with those looting and burning buildings but those who are protesting peacefully. There can be no peace until our so called leaders make change."

Schalke's US midfielder Weston McKennie (1st-R) wears an armband reading "Justice for George" during the German first division Bundesliga football match FC Schalke 04 v SV Werder Bremen on May 30, 2020 at the Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen, western Germany.

Schalke's US midfielder Weston McKennie (1st-R) wears an armband reading "Justice for George" during the German first division Bundesliga football match FC Schalke 04 v SV Werder Bremen on May 30, 2020 at the Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen, western Germany.

McKennie wore an armband with the handwritten message “Justice for George” around his left arm. McKennie later said on Twitter: “We have to stand up for what we believe in and I believe that it is time that we are heard!”