The Browns quarterback called for action against police brutality and systemic racism Thursday afternoon during an Instagram Live video to promote Drink BodyArmor.
“It’s a pivotal time for a change,” Mayfield said during the promotional social media appearance. “What’s being addressed right now, obviously, has been going on for a long time. So now everybody’s finally coming together to address it, and doing it the right way of holding people accountable.”
Mayfield wore an “I Can’t Breathe” T-shirt, continuing his practice of promoting items related to the cause in recent weeks, during the Q and A session moderated by Ally Love.
Earlier this week Mayfield joined receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry as well as defensive end Myles Garrett in signing the Players Coalition letter sent to Congress asking for the end of qualified immunity, which makes it difficult to sue police officers for brutality.
“It’s about teaching people,” Mayfield, who is considering attending protests, said. “It’s much more than just writing a check.
“That’s extremely important to fund that [cause], but to teach the importance of equality and including everybody is the most important part.”
Stefanski, who attended a peaceful protest last weekend in Avon with his mother, two sons and Cavs head coach J.B Bickerstaff, has encouraged his players to get involved in the movement sparked by the death of George Floyd that sparked protests around the country.
Thursday afternoon the NFL announced a $250 million commitment over the next 10 years to “combat systemic racism and support the battle against the ongoing and historic injustices faced by African-Americans.”
The league also pledged to work collaboratively with players to support programs to address criminal justice reform in addition to police reforms as well as economic and educational advancement.