Less than 24 hours after the shooting of Jacob Blake by Kenosha Police, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers used his platform to speak about what he considers to be a continual issue of police mistreatment of minorities.
This is what he had to say:
“There’s a systemic problem. Until the problem is fixed, this is going to be an all-too common sighting in this country,” Rodgers said in an interview with reporters Monday. “Obviously, this hits home, not being far from Green Bay.”
Rodgers believes that the question of necessary lethal force must be addressed by state lawmakers and Governor Evers, along with laws about policing that he believes should not be on the books.
“There are antiquated laws that are prejudicial against people of color in this state,” he said. “I think the governor and the folks at the Capitol need to take a hard look at some of those systems that are in place.”
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Rodgers also shared respect for many law enforcement officers:
“I know a ton of (police officers). A lot of them have traveled with us over the years. I’ve been pulled over a couple times. I’ve had nice interactions which aren’t the norm of everybody on this squad,” said Rodgers. “I have a lot of love and affection for the guys I’ve seen on a regular basis here for 15 years.”
Even still, Rodgers is asking for police officers who treat minorities fairly to call out fellow law enforcement officers who don’t.
“One action by a cop doesn’t mean that every cop is unfit for duty or racist, but it gives them a bad name. It’s a bad look,” Rodgers stated. “I hope there can be cops who can speak out as we’re speaking out about these things and be as disgusted at this unfortunate norm has become in our country, but it starts with the system that’s in place. Until the system is changed, there’s not going to be a whole lot of change.”
