Former Boise State RB Mattison on Minneapolis riots: ‘There’s a peaceful way to do this’
As protests have sprung up all over the country in response to George Floyd’s death at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer, athletes and coaches have lent their voices to the fight against racial injustice.
On Saturday, former Boise State running back Alexander Mattison, who is preparing for his second season with the Minnesota Vikings, went on CBS Sports Radio to share his feelings about Floyd’s death and offer support to the people of Minneapolis.
“It was a situation that we’ve seen too often over the course of the years,” he said.
Mattison told host Zach Gelb that he hasn’t taken part in any protests, but he ended the segment by speaking to those who have.
“I never thought I’d be in a position where I’d be right next door to something like this,” Mattison said. “These people are only acting out of trying to make a statement and make their voices heard, but it’s never the right thing to go and cause destruction. There’s a peaceful way to do this.”
Following Floyd’s death on May 25, Minneapolis and St. Paul have been the sites of five days of protests, many of which turned violent and left people injured and businesses destroyed as police and National Guard soldiers clashed with protesters.
More former Boise State players took to Twitter over the weekend to voice their disappointment and frustration over the racial strife in America.
“Done being quiet and done being angry. How can we feel safe when those meant to protect us are killin’ us? When will minorities be free to be Americans in America?” wrote defensive lineman DeMarcus Lawrence, who suits up for the Dallas Cowboys.
“Your silence speaks loudly. This is bigger than your comfort,” wrote free agent running back Jay Ajayi, who was released last December by the Eagles.
On Saturday, former Boise State defensive back Jason Robinson called on Broncos coach Bryan Harsin to speak out against racism. Harsin responded that afternoon.
“The hate, the discord, the belief that voices are falling on deaf ears — it needs to change now,” Harsin’s statement read in part.
Coaches and players from the men’s basketball team also spoke up. On Sunday evening, the Broncos released a statement as a team.
“Boise State men’s basketball realizes we can be a vehicle for change. We are one. We are family. We are angry and sad. There is no place in our communities for hatred and racism. The world is watching as each of us chooses how we will respond in words and in actions,” the statement read in part.
Assistant coach Mike Burns offered his support for marginalized communities and said the presidential election in November is a chance to enact change.
“We need to fight to end the systemic racism that has preyed upon so many in our black and brown communities,” Burns wrote on Twitter. “Those perpetuating the hate must be held to account. After the protests have subsided we must remember that our voice will speak loudest at the ballot box this November.”
Boise State basketball player Derrick Alston Jr., who has declared for the NBA Draft, echoed Burns’ sentiments:
“I know for me through all of this, the importance of voting should be on the forefront and we have a chance to start change this upcoming election.”
James Reid, a former Boise State player who is now a graduate assistant coach for the Broncos, went beyond politics:
“I’m not black. I haven’t had to go through what black people in this country have had to go through for hundreds of years. But I know right where I stand in this and that is alongside my brothers and sisters in the fight for equality and justice in the country.”
On Monday, the Boise State’s women’s basketball team and women’s soccer coach issued statements on Twitter.
“In our program, we may not be able to walk in others’ shoes but we are capable of peace, honor and love. There is no place for hate, prejudice or fear. Together our potential can be realized and our success achieved,” the women’s basketball team wrote.
Women’s soccer coach Jim Thomas followed suit with a powerful expression of his own.
“I’m a white man of privilege. I know not of the plight black people and minorities have faced across history. Or that which they do today,” he tweeted. “I do not know what it’s like to be left handed in a right handed world. But, I believe if something is tolerated it has chance to set root, to spread beyond it’s initial power.
“In order to eradicate it, it must become intolerable on every level — at the federal and state level, creating laws that better protect human rights and equalities … then actually enforcing them.”
Former Boise State coaches also took to Twitter to lend words of encouragement.
“Gather your thoughts, say a prayer and organize your plan to have a positive impact. We all need to lead the changes that will provide equality for all. Because we are all responsible for equality. Your reason and values control your reward and your impact,” wrote former Boise State defensive coordinator Andy Avalos, who is in the same position at Oregon.
“I pray for justice. I pray for the courage to stand for what is right. I pray for the end of hate in our country. I pray for those hurting, and afraid. I pray that we see the need for change,” tweeted former Boise State offensive coordinator Eliah Drinkwitz, who was hired in December as the head coach at Missouri.
“The incidents of the past few months must spark a change for us to do better as a society. This is about injustice that has gone on for far too long. It will take strong leadership and a desire to treat all people with dignity and empathy,” wrote former Boise State defensive backs coach Jimmy Lake, who was named former Broncos coach Chris Petersen’s successor as the head coach at Washington after Petersen announced his resignation at the end of last season.
“As a black man and a leader of young men, specifically young black men in this case, I must address the real issue. Black men are being singled out and abused or killed in America without justice and consequences. This must stop and it will take all of us working together,” tweeted former Boise State wide receivers coach Junior Adams, who is in the same position at Washington.
This story was originally published June 1, 2020 at 12:02 PM.
