Pete Carroll Discusses Seahawks Speaking Out on Social Issues
Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll is happy with the actions his players are taking by talking about social issues and making a push for real change.
Sheil Kapadia of ESPN passed along comments from Carroll about the hot-button topic after several Seahawks players, led by wide receiver Doug Baldwin, cornerback Richard Sherman and defensive end Michael Bennett, took a public stand over the past week:
When they want to get up and stand for something, they come from a really good place with a really good perspective. I think what's really noteworthy is that they're pointed at action. They're not just talking. They're pointed at action. They've taken steps, and they're taking people with them along the way to see what we really can do and be a factor in a very positive way.
The 65-year-old coach was also asked about how the increased focus on topics like racial injustice, police violence and social activism was impacting the team, per ESPN.
"They get to live life too and have their day," Carroll said. "Like I said, they have Tuesday, and they have about half of that with the work they do to condition and take care of themselves. I couldn't be more proud of where they're putting their focus when they have their free time."
Jarrett Bell of USA Today highlighted remarks from Baldwin on Thursday during which the receiver asked the 50 state attorney generals to review police standards and place a greater emphasis on "de-escalation tactics."
"There should not be an inherent risk when you have an encounter with law enforcement," Baldwin said. "There should not be a concern or worry that the law enforcement is not there to protect you. And I think we're raising a culture or society right now that is questioning that very sentiment."
Bennett told Matt Calkins of the Seattle Times he felt getting a high-profile white athlete involved in the protest would go a long way in helping the cause.
"You need a white guy to join the fight. The white guy is super important to the fight," he said. "For people to really see social injustices, there must be someone from the other side of the race who recognizes the problem, because a lot of times if just one race says there’s a problem, nobody is realistic about it."
Meanwhile, Sherman refused to take questions during his press conference this week, instead using that time to urge people to take the concerns seriously, per Kapadia.
"When a guy takes a knee, you can ignore it," Sherman said. "You can say he's not being patriotic, he's not honoring the flag. I'm doing none of those things. I'm saying it straight up. This is wrong, and we need to do something."
The Seahawks have also made a weekly statement by locking arms during the national anthem since the start of the regular season. It's one of a multitude of actions by athletes spurred by San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick's decision not to stand for the song starting in August.
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