As protests continue across the United States after the murder of George Floyd in Minnesota, Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott hopes his team can be a good example of what unity should look like in America.
"Part of the reason why we share stories in our culture and building is to learn about one another and certainly with that comes some differences. With that also comes a lot of similarities between people " McDermott said.
"Together, I hope that our team can be a unifying picture of what it should look like."
McDermott spoke with local media on Wednesday, saying he and his players spoke as a team about Floyd's death and the protests in a meeting during the virtual offseason program.
The fourth-year head coach said he is "disgusted and ashamed" of the murder.
"We are all human and I share with our players we are professional coaches, professional players, at the end of the day we are human beings."
Many current and former players have spoken out in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, McDermott understands Floyd's death hits home for a lot of them.
He emphasized listening when speaking with the media, hoping to better educate himself and others.
"Ive tried to open myself up to our players to be a listener, to be listening, to be a good listener," McDermott said. "I think it is important to educate myself and build awareness and at the same time lead our team and our family through this."
McDermott also spoke on a number of other issues Wednesday including the status of second-year defensive tackle Ed Oliver who was arrested a month ago on DWI charges. The Bills have spoken with Oliver but the organization plans to let the legal process "run its course".
Oliver could face a suspension of three-games by the NFL for a first offense after the new collective bargaining agreement between the NFL and NFL Players Association this year increased the suspension from the previous policy of two games for first time offenders.