Patrice Bergeron releases strong statement, donates to Boston branch of NAACP
In a powerful statement released Wednesday, Bruins center Patrice Bergeron says he refuses to be silent anymore.
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – JANUARY 01: Patrice Bergeron of the Boston Bruins waits to take a face-off in the second period against the Chicago Blackhawks during the 2019 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic at Notre Dame Stadium. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Gregory Shamus/Getty ImagesBy Ty Anderson, 985TheSportsHub.com
Bruins center Patrice Bergeron does not believe in airing his opinions out on social media.
But when it came to the current climate of the country following the murder of George Floyd, Bergeron admitted in a powerful statement released Wednesday (via the Bruins) that silence was no longer an option for him.
"As many of you know, I don't have social media. Right or wrong I've often tried to stay away from making my opinions public," Bergeron's statement began. "As hockey players, we have a tendency to do our business while staying quiet, without wanting to make too much noise. It is in our culture. But surrounding the murder of George Floyd and the protests that followed, it made me realize that by not speaking up on the matter, and not using my voice as a professional athlete, it's in fact allowing racism to fester and continue. Silence is not an option for me anymore.
"I realize that I will never truly understand the fear, pain and suffering the black community has endured. As a white man I have always tried to live by respect and equality, but I also acknowledge my privileges. I am disappointed in myself that it took this long for me to truly open my eyes. Seeing all this pain truly breaks my heart and forces me to seek answers."
"Today and going forward I want to listen, educate myself and stand up for the black community," said Bergeron. "We cannot change the past, but we certainly can change the future. It is time to truly acknowledge this cry for help.
"It needs to be more than a simple Instagram post. Let's take real actions. With an open heart and compassion, I am determined to be an ally, continue to grow myself, and raise my children to be anti-racist."
Bergeron's real actions will include a $50,000 donation between the Boston branch of the NAACP and the Centre Multiethnique de Quebec, and with the Bruins linking to both organizations' websites to donate.
"I will not be quiet anymore," offered Bergeron. "With love, respect, and the most sincere humility. Patrice Bergeron."
Ty AndersonEditor
Ty Anderson is 98.5 The Sports Hub’s friendly neighborhood straight-edge kid. Ty has been covering the Bruins (and other Boston teams) since 2010, has been a member of the PHWA since 2013, and went left to right across your radio dial and joined The Sports Hub in 2018. Ty also writes about all New England sports from Patriots football to the Boston Celtics and Boston Red Sox.
