Players from the Pitt men's basketball team Tuesday morning released a joint statement, saying they are committed to following the lead of coach Jeff Capel in seeking equality and justice following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
The statement is one of several released via Twitter by teams and coaches in the Pitt athletic department.
"We came to the University of Pittsburgh to pursue an education, to become better basketball players and hopefully do well enough to seek a professional career playing the game we love," the statement reads. "The past year has taught us that life can change overnight. The recent and senseless deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor make it clear that we have a larger purpose. We have the opportunity to be the voice of our generation and use our platform to be a catalyst of change."
We stand in solidarity. #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/7kcNsnTxg5
— Pitt Basketball (@Pitt_MBB) June 2, 2020
I love and support my guys 100%! After wonderful conversations, and careful thoughts, these are THEIR words! Our job as adults and leaders is to educate, inspire, challenge, believe, and help them grow as young men! I am proud to be their coach! THEY MATTER! HEAR THEM!
#✊?✊?✊? pic.twitter.com/4PgdLAJqT1
— Jeff Capel (@jeffcapel) June 2, 2020
✊?✊?✊?✊?✊?#BlackOutTuesday pic.twitter.com/xxoezNJDRA
— Pitt Football (@Pitt_FB) June 2, 2020
I stand with my players and always have their back! We are committed to make a change and are actively discussing how we will turn our words into actions. We are in this together and I love my team!! #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/vtozXnTYKC
— Lance White (@Pitt_CoachWhite) June 1, 2020
We must do better as nation and a society... together. When it is time, we must stand up. When it is time, we must listen. I am so sorry for anyone who has faced injustice. #BlackLivesMatter #BlackOutTuesday pic.twitter.com/w0j7sqUM9q
— Charlie Partridge (@CoachPartridge) June 2, 2020
