Cheesehead
Well-known member
- Mar 19, 2019
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"There's a systemic problem, and until the problem is fixed, this is going to be an all-too-common sighting in this country," Rodgers said. "It obviously hits home being not far from Green Bay. I'm not going to comment directly on the video until more facts come out, but obviously it's something where as a non-police officer, I think for a lot of us the natural question is when is lethal force necessary.
"Again, I think that goes to a systematic problem that needs to be addressed at some point. There's antiquated laws that are prejudicial against people of color in this state. I think the governor and the folks at the Capitol need to take a hard look at some of those systems that are in place."
Rodgers went on to talk about the relationships and interactions he's had with local police officers, many of whom travel to road games as the team's security detail, but how his experiences "aren't the norm" for everyone.
Kicker Mason Crosby is another veteran on the council who's been a teammate of Rodgers' for more than a dozen years now. They both mentioned how valuable they find the tough conversations when their black teammates open up about their backgrounds as well as current and future concerns.
"I've always tried to listen first and listening involves being silent," Rodgers said. "I think there's too many opinions. There's an entitlement that comes with a lot of opinions. There's a lot of opinions and statements made out of emotion. When you react first out of emotion, you lack the ability to listen. I think in listening, you find that empathy. And it's only through empathy and understanding that you can truly I think have a better awareness about what the actual issues are."
Monday's impromptu council meeting was one example, and Rodgers takes seriously the duty of the council members to keep the rest of the locker room up to date on the discussions. He said the team has not yet decided what type of social justice gesture it will make at the Week 1 game in Minnesota, but conversations will be ongoing.
"I'm thankful to Coach LaFleur for bringing that group together as often as we do," Crosby said, "and having us talk and connect in so many different ways, and talk about issues going on in our country and our world. I believe we have a really good leadership group and it's going to pay dividends on and off the field."