Colts Head Coach Frank Reich Opens Conference Call With Stirring Statement on Injustice
By Alexander Wolz
People throughout the nation have felt the impact of George Floyd's death, across barriers of race, age, or gender. Many have been inspired to combat issues of racial justice in their own lives and locker rooms, with the latest being Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich.
Reich did not hesitate to discuss these issues on the team's latest Zoom call, opening up with a powerful statement on injustice.
Colts coach Frank Reich opened zoom call with: "Injustice. Few things stir the human soul like injustice ... It's not enough for a person who looks like me to say, 'I'm not racist.' ... It's easy to be silent and do nothing when it doesn't impact you."
— Mike Wells (@MikeWellsNFL) June 1, 2020
In a decidedly introspective quote, Reich delivered a moving analysis of the human attitude toward injustice. Reich also emphasized the need for action, saying, "it's easy to be silent and do nothing when it doesn't impact you." That's the challenge facing people throughout the country today.
While many NFL players have responded to Floyd's death through protests or social media statements, Reich and the Colts organization took a significant step to individually connect with their players, one that likely helps bring the team together.
Colts coach Frank Reich and GM Chris Ballard spoke with their team Thursday on the events of the past week. Reich says he realizes Zoom wasn't the best forum, but felt compelled to hear from his players.
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) June 1, 2020
"They’re hurting. Many of them are hurting, and feel the pain of this."
Outside of individual efforts, the Colts as a whole delivered a statement on Floyd's death, further indicating the organizational support evident within Indianapolis.
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) May 31, 2020
Many will remember that Colin Kaepernick's silent protests resulted in widespread controversy across the league. But now there will be a bigger discussion to be had in NFL circles regarding the injustices minorities face on a daily basis and Reich is helping push that discourse forward.