Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty on Tuesday of murdering George Floyd, a man whose death sparked a round of protests across the globe and a renewed call for racial justice in America.
Chauvin, who was seen on video kneeling on Floyd's neck for over nine minutes, was found guilty on all three charges — second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter. The former police officer faces up to 40 years in prison.
Professional leagues and athletes across the sports world responded to the guilty verdict on social media, including every professional sports team from the Washington area.
"The trial of Derek Chauvin has served as a painful, searing reminder that a senseless murder took place and claimed the life of an individual, George Floyd," the Washington Football Team's statement began. "We continue to keep George Floyd's family and his community in our hearts, our thoughts, and our prayers.
"The long path in our social and cultural reckonings since his passing, acknowledging racism and racial bias and working towards equality and opportunity in our country, begins with accountability," WFT's statement read. "This guilty verdict rendered sends a long overdue message that those who perpetuate the mistreatment of communities of color can and will be held accountable."
"And it is our sincere hope that the important and difficult conversations that George Floyd's murder has sparked will not end today, tomorrow, nor in the future. It is our commitment that we will be persistent, on behalf of our community and in front of our leaders, in supporting these conversations so that the events of last summer and today's verdict bring forth a legacy of change in the service of racial equality and justice for all," Washington Football's statement said.
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Head coach Ron Rivera responded by writing on Twitter, "And we as a team will continue on this path of equity, inclusion & justice for all."
Monumental Sports & Entertainment, which operates the NHL's Washington Capitals, NBA's Wizards, and WNBA's Mystics, released a statement which said: "While justice has been rightfully served in the case of George Floyd, we continue to mourn his loss and must not forget the countless others who have suffered injustice in countless ways throughout our country's history."
D.C. United of MLS released a statement on Twitter that said the while the verdict "does not begin to cure the indescribable pain experienced by George Floyd's loved ones or the loved ones of the countless Black Americans who have lost their lives to systemic violence charged by racism and hatred, it encourages us that Black life in this country does matter.
"Today's verdict delivered accountability for the murder of George Floyd," D.C. United's statement read. "And as we reflect on today's outcome, our demand and commitment for justice and equality for members of the Black Community continue as we stand united in our efforts as a club in pursuit of this."
The Washington Nationals had not responded to the verdict with a statement beyond tweeting an image of George Floyd.
After the Nationals played Tuesday night, manager Davey Martinez offered his condolences to George Floyd’s family.
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