UNITED AGAINST RACISM
U.S. Soccer affirms Black Lives Matter, and we support the fight against racial injustices.
U.S. Soccer Board of Directors voted to repeal Policy 604-1, which required our players to stand during the national anthem. The policy was put in place after Megan Rapinoe kneeled in solidarity with the peaceful protest inspired by Colin Kaepernick, who was protesting police brutality, and the systematic oppression of Black people and people of color in America. It has become clear that this policy was wrong and detracted from the important message of Black Lives Matter.
We have not done enough to listen – especially to our players – to understand and acknowledge the very real and meaningful experiences of Black and other minority communities in our country. We apologize to our players – especially our Black players – staff, fans, and all who support eradicating racism. Sports are a powerful platform for good, and we have not used our platform as effectively as we should have. We can do more on these specific issues and we will.
It should be, and will be going forward, up to our players to determine how they can best use their platforms to fight all forms of racism, discrimination, and inequality. We are here for our players and are ready to support them in elevating their efforts to achieve social justice. We cannot change the past, but we can make a difference in the future. We are committed to this change effort, and we will be implementing supporting actions in the near future.
Crystal Dunn
It is going to take EVERYONE!🙏🏾🌎 pic.twitter.com/JcgP2MWvnM
— Crystal Dunn Soubrier (@crysdunn_19) June 5, 2020
Weston McKennie
To be able to use my platform to bring attention to a problem that has been going on to long feels good!!! We have to stand up for what we believe in and I believe that it is time that we are heard! #justiceforgeorgefloyd #saynotoracism pic.twitter.com/TRB1AGm0Qx
— Weston McKennie (@WMckennie) May 30, 2020
Zack Steffen
We owe it to our ancestors before us and those who will come after us to continue the fight. @VOYCEnow pic.twitter.com/fVx7bgoPF7
— Zack Steffen (@zackstef_23) June 2, 2020
Casey Short
— Casey Short (@CaseyShort3) June 6, 2020
Tyler Adams
Rose Lavelle
#BlackLivesMatter #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd pic.twitter.com/aLC0f7EGZd
— Rose Lavelle (@roselavelle) May 31, 2020
Sebastian Lletget
#BlacklivesMatter pic.twitter.com/TxAoxY2tgz
— Da Boy (@SLletget) May 30, 2020
Lynn Williams
My thoughts 🖤 pic.twitter.com/Bj9IB4ClPZ
— Lynn Williams (@lynnraenie) June 2, 2020
Tyler Boyd
Jessica McDonald
You are handsome! You are strong! The color of your skin is perfect and your sweet heart is loved! You’re a great human! You care, you love, and you matter! I love you, son. #LetsKeepFighting #BeAGoodHuman 🤍 pic.twitter.com/kLgjzmN28v
— Jessica McDonald (@J_Mac1422) June 8, 2020
Paul Arriola
I AM SO TIRED OF THE RACISM THAT EXISTS IN THIS COUNTRY, THE POLICE BRUTALITY, THE INJUSTICE THAT LIVES IN OUR SYSTEMS AND GOVERNMENT. I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED WHAT MANY OF MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS HAVE HAD TO GO THROUGH BUT I STAND WITH ALL OF YOU. #EnoughIsEnough #WeAreAllEqual
— Paul Arriola (@PaulArriola) June 5, 2020