NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Titans, like a number of other professional sports teams, decided they could not conduct business as usual due to current events.
The Titans canceled their scheduled practice Thursday morning. Instead, players reported to the indoor practice field in street clothes where they took part in a team meeting.
According to a statement from the franchise, it was a “team” decision that was made “after conversations this morning.” There was plenty of tears and emotions as Titans players read a statement via Zoom Thursday.
Kevin Byard said this decision comes from the heart.
Here's the entire video:
"We decided to take a stand today with my brothers standing next to me in solidarity we want to say we're tired," Byard said. "We want change and we want it as soon as possible."
Quarterback Ryan Tannehill spoke through tears when addressing the media.
"It's sickening to think people have to worry about their kids coming home safe at night," Tannehill said. "That because of the color of their skin, they have to worry about being pulled over by a cop. It's sickening and there needs to me change."
Coach Vrabel said we talk about "those who can, must" and about the team's platform to make positive change.
"Today is a another great step in doing that," Vrabel said. "We may not have been productive in football but today we are a productive."
At least half a dozen NFL clubs have now decided to stray from the norm as public outrage grows regarding the shooting of Jacob Blake, a black man shot to death by a white police officer in Kenosha, Wisc. Blake was shot to death in front of his three children as they sat in the car.
