By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
The Patriots have addressed recent events across sports in reaction to the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisc., both publicly and internally. Asked about the discussions within the team, head coach Bill Belichick kept that between himself and the players, but expressed admiration for the way they’ve handled them.
“I’ll keep the things that happened within the team privately within the team, that’s kind of the forum that we had, so I’ll maintain the integrity of that. But I’ve certainly learned a lot, continue to learn a lot,” Belichick said. “We have an incredible group of players. I’m so proud of this team and the players we have on it, the way that they’re involved in each other’s lives as teammates, the way they raise their families and are involved in the community on a number of different levels.
“We’ve always prided ourselves on doing things right and not only being a good football team but being a pillar in the community. That continues to be our goal and our expectation and I’m so proud of what our players do on all those levels.”
Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots looks on during training camp on August 26, 2020 in Foxborough, Mass. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Devin McCourty, Jason McCourty, James White, and Cam Newton are among several Patriots to address the Jacob Blake story and its far-reaching impact on advancing discussions over their continued calls for racial justice in the United States.
Stephon Gilmore also tweeted on Thursday: “I do not have the words to meet the depths of my frustration & sadness. But, I do know that the senseless killings & shootings of Black Americans by the police and vigilantes has to stop. These are human rights violations. My children deserve better. We all deserve better.”
MORE: Patriots Players Address Recent Sports Boycotts
The events in Kenosha led the Milwaukee Bucks to boycott a playoff game against the Orlando Magic, which sparked a wave of postponed games across the NBA, the NHL, and Major League Baseball. In the NFL, several teams cancelled practice, while the Arizona Cardinals cancelled all team activities on Thursday. The Baltimore Ravens have cancelled their scheduled Friday practice.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff or send him a nasty email at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.