While protests spread across the nation over the weekend in response to the death of George Floyd while in police custody in Minneapolis, several Falcons, including owner Arthur Blank, commented on the issues of protesting, social injustice and police brutality.
Some of the protests that started peaceably, turned violence that resulted in property damage.
On the second day of protesting Saturday, which ended with more property damage in Atlanta, a total of 157 people were arrested.
Blank issued a carefully crafted statement that did not mention Floyd by name nor the issue of police brutality, which was the focus on the initial protest by former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick in the 2016 exhibition season.
>> COMPLETE COVERAGE: Atlanta protests
In the wake of the riots around Atlanta that started Friday, Blank issued a statement Saturday.
“A number of events over the last couple of weeks have reminded us again that the long, worthy quest for equal justice, civility and unity in America is far from over,” Blank said in the statement. “People are scared and in pain. Their frustration is real, and it must be acknowledged and addressed. More must be done to address systemic racism. More must be done to address the underlying issues that have led to these incidents across the country. More must be done to bring people together through meaningful change.
“The public discourse on these and other issues is too divisive, too political. These are not political issues, they are human issues that need serious, earnest attention from leaders and citizens alike who understand that diversity is our strength and fair treatment is everyone’s right. Open, honest dialogue is needed on a much greater scale. It is my hope that we take this terrible moment in our history to elevate that conversation toward productive action and lasting, positive change. Peaceful protests of the past have led to new ways forward. Lawlessness, vandalism and intentionally upending the peace with any form of violence has never been productive and is not the answer. We must not accept or condone violence in any way. And to be sure, Atlanta is better than what we saw in the actions of a few last night.
“Together we will rise above this on the strength of what has always made Atlanta great – its people, its leaders of past and present and its unique culture that is welcoming to all. Our family foundation and the rest of our businesses here in Atlanta and elsewhere remain committed to being part of the solution.”
Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan made a plea for "change" in a post on Instagram.
“My heart goes out to all of those who loved George Floyd, and all those who have been impacted by similar tragedies,” Ryan wrote. “I know that I cannot fully understand the depth and complexity of these issues because of the color of my skin, which is a sad testament to all of the work we have left to do.
“I know I am only one man, but I’m I also know I am committed to doing what I can. That commitment includes listening and learning with all humility and compassion. It is the least I can do. IT is the least WE all can do.”
Falcons center Alex Mack met with the local media on a virtual conference call Thursday and discussed the death of Floyd before the protests and subsequent riots took place.
“I don’t know all of the details,” Mack said. “I know it’s a tragedy. No one wants to see a life lost. It’s really tough. Without knowing the specifics of anything, I know it’s a difficult time in the nation. I know it something that as a nation we’ve got heal.
“Police officers have a really tough job. They are constantly on the street putting their lives on the line for the health and safety for everybody. For the mistrust to be there is difficult.
“On the same hand, people can’t be dying on routine stops and stuff. It’s a tough situation that I’m not equipped at all to have a solution or an appropriate answer. I just know that it’s a tragedy. The more people can talk about it and figure things out, the better.”
Falcons fullback Keith Smith supported the Black Lives Matter movement and called for justice the death of Floyd.
“The quote on this post was ‘any injustice threatens all justice’ I don’t believe in the looting and rioting, or essentially fighting this cause with hate and fire,” Smith wrote. “But I do believe this is something that the judicial system itself has created due to lack of justice and willingness to hear the pain and cries of a frustrated group of people who just want to be heard.
"What I'm learning and trying to understand myself is that brushing things under the rug doesn't work. It only creates buried festering resentment and anger. For more than those directly affected. "All men are created equal". Straight from the United States Declaration of Independence. Statistics say otherwise, and it is time that we acknowledge that in every aspect of life. What happened to #GeorgeFloyd was barbaric and sickening."
Falcons offensive tackle Kaleb McGary initially was perplexed by the starting of riots and chastised the protesters before deleting a tweet.
He said the protesters were “no better than the cops they claim to hate.” Several Falcons fans harshly criticized McGary and the tweet was deleted.
He changed his tone in a later tweet.
“I apologize for my previous misguided choice of words and the hurt they have caused,” McGary wrote.
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>> COMPLETE COVERAGE: Atlanta protests
>> PHOTOS: Atlanta rally against police violence draws hundreds, turns violent
>> RELATED: Buckhead stores, restaurants clean up after a night of riots and looting
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