USMNT defender DeAndre Yedlin has expressed his anger at racial injustice in the US, insisting the country is not safe for any young black man.
The right-back said it is sad that his grandfather who was born in 1946 faced racism and the same thing is happening in this age.
In a series of posts on Twitter, Yedlin shared his grandfather’s opinion, adding that the lives of black people matter just like any other race.
A couple days after George Floyd’s death, my grandfather texted me and told me he’s glad that I am not living in the U.S. right now because he would fear for my life as a young black man. As days have passed, this text from my grandfather has not been able to leave my mind.
— DeAndre Yedlin (@yedlinny) June 2, 2020
“A couple of days after George Floyd’s death, my grandfather texted me and told me he’s glad I am not living in the US right now because he would fear for my life as a young black man,” the defender wrote.
“As days have passed, this text from my grandfather has not been able to leave my mind.”
The footballer’s frustration comes in the wake of the death of George Floyd, who was suffocated by a white police officer.
Floyd died after officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee on his neck, denying him breath for almost eight minutes.
Although Yedlin plays for the American national team – boasting 62 appearances – he insists injustice against blacks is too evident for anyone to ignore.
“I remember being in elementary school and having to recite the Pledge of Allegiance which ends – with liberty and justice for all. Every American needs to ask themselves is there ‘liberty and justice for all’ and if their answer is yes, then they are part of the problem,” he said.
“In no way are we asking black lives to matter more than white lives all we’re asking is we are seen as equal as more than 3/5 of a man, as humans.”
The Newcastle United star further paid tribute to “George Floyd, his family, and all of the countless number of victims that have had their lives taken at the hands of meaningless police brutality.”
