Former NBA basketball superstar Michael Jordan and six-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton joined sportspeople around the world who lamented the death of a black man during his arrest in the United States on Sunday, May 31. United which led to dozens of demonstrations sometimes degenerating into riots.
Michael Jordan denounced in a press release " rooted racism " in the United States, saying he is " deeply saddened, genuinely in pain and totally angry " after the May 25 death of George Floyd, 46, in Minneapolis (Minnesota). " We have had enough, " he continued, saying " alongside those who denounce deep-rooted racism and violence against people of color in our country ". He, who refused to take a position on social and political issues during his playing career, added: " We must continue peaceful expressions of injustice and ask for the recognition of responsibilities ".
The Briton Lewis Hamilton has denounced the silence of the " biggest stars " of F1 " dominated by whites ".
Sportsmen's gestures are multiplying. Tennis player Serena Williams posted an Instagram video of an emotionally overwhelmed young girl to a public meeting: " We are blacks and we shouldn't have to feel like this ."
His compatriot and tennis phenomenon Coco Gauff reacted in a video on the social network TikTok: " Am I next? "
Three black Bundesliga players also paid tribute this weekend on German courts to Floyd. Mönchengladbach forward Marcus Thuram, son of 1998 French world champion Lilian Thuram, knelt down to celebrate a goal.
Shortly after, young Dortmund striker Jadon Sancho (20) displayed a T-shirt with the inscription " Justice for George Floyd ", also after scoring a goal.