Marcus Thuram, Moenchengladbach forward, kneels to honor George Floy after scoring his second goal in the Bundesliga match between Borussia and Union Berlin on Sunday May 31, 2020. (AP Photo / Martin Meissner, Pool) / - Martin Meissner / AP / SIPA

The death of George Floyd sparked outrage in the sports world. Former NBA superstar Michael Jordan and six-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton joined sportsmen who lamented the death of a black man during his arrest in the United States on Sunday, causing dozens of protests to escalate at times. in riots.

Michael Jordan denounced in a press release "rooted racism" in the United States, saying he is "deeply saddened, genuinely in pain and totally angry" after the May 25 death of George Floyd, 46, in Minneapolis (Minnesota). Briton Lewis Hamilton has denounced the silence of the "biggest stars" of F1 "dominated by whites". "I know who you are and I see you," added the current circuit king to Instagram.

Statement from Michael Jordan: pic.twitter.com/lWkZOf1Tmr

- Jordan (@ Jumpman23) May 31, 2020

Derek Chauvin, the white policeman who held his knee for several minutes on Floyd's neck, who complained that he could not breathe, was arrested and charged with manslaughter. But protests continued to escalate and sometimes ended in riots to the point that curfews were declared in several cities.

Violent rallies "reflect the suffering that so many of us feel"

"We have had enough," said Michael Jordan, who refused to take a position on social and political issues during his playing career. He joins the cohort of voices from the NBA (basketball), the NFL (American football) and other sports in the United States, but also around the world, demanding changes in the way blacks are treated. in this country, especially by the police.

Boston Celtics player Jaylen Brown drove fifteen hours to take part in a peaceful demonstration in Atlanta, Georgia. NFL leader Roger Goodell said the violent rallies "reflect the pain, anger and frustration that so many of us feel."

In England, footballer Marcus Rashford shared in a tweet the slogan "Black Lives Matter", in reference to the American movement against racism.

"At a time when I call people to unite (...) we appear more divided than ever," said the 22-year-old Manchester United striker.

Serena Williams reacts on Instagram

Tennis player Serena Williams posted an Instagram video of a young girl overwhelmed with emotion at a public meeting: "We are blacks and we shouldn't have to feel like that." His compatriot and tennis phenomenon Coco Gauff reacted in a video on the social network TikTok: "Am I next? "

Three black Bundesliga players also paid tribute this weekend on German courts to Floyd. The most spectacular gesture was that of Mönchengladbach striker Marcus Thuram, son of 1998 French world champion Lilian Thuram, who knelt down on Sunday to celebrate a goal. Just after the match, his club posted a photo of his player on his knees on the ground with his gaze turned to the ground on Twitter, with the caption in English: "No explanation needed".

No explanation needed. pic.twitter.com/5JO1CCJexU

- Gladbach (@borussia_en) May 31, 2020

This gesture was popularized by NFL player Colin Kaepernick, who became a spokesperson for protests in the United States against police violence, especially against minorities of color.

Shortly after, young Dortmund striker Jadon Sancho (20) displayed a T-shirt with the inscription "Justice for George Floyd", also after scoring a goal. On Saturday, it was the American Weston McKennie of the Schalke 04 club, who wore an "Justice for George" armband.

Lebron James reacted on Wednesday

“Being able to use this forum to draw attention to a problem that has been going on for too long, it feels good !!! McKennie, 21, tweeted after the meeting.

NBA star LeBron James reacted on Wednesday, as did Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr, who tweeted, "It's murder. Disgusting ”.

The revolt was tinged with pain for former Warriors and San Antonio Spurs player Stephen Jackson, who knew the victim.

"Floyd was my brother. We were called "twins". My brother was in Minnesota because he changed his life, he drove trucks (…) and you killed him. I'm on my way to Minnesota. Justice will be done, ”he wrote on his Instagram account.

  • Manchester United
  • Serena williams
  • Lewis Hamilton
  • LeBron James
  • Michael Jordan
  • United States
  • Sport