The George Floyd killing was indeed the spark that lit off the powder keg. Protests are more widespread across the U.S. than ever before. People from all walks of life are speaking out against police brutality and racial discrimination. Especially in the athletic communities. A place where the Chicago Bears appear well-represented.
Recently the Players Coalition involving athletes and coaches from every major sport gathered signatures in support of a new bill. One that if passed would put an end to qualified immunity. Something that has protected police officers and other law enforcement officials from litigation. Names like Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Dak Prescott, and Steve Kerr are on it.
Chicago newcomers Jordan Lucas and Darion Clark signed it. They were joined by former Bears Brendon Ayanbadejo, Curtis Conway, Muhsin Muhammed, Emery Moorehead, Jermon Bushrod, Cornelius Lucas, and Aaron Lynch.
"The Players Coalition has gathered the signatures of more than 1,400 current and retired athletes, coaches, general managers and staff members from the NFL, NBA and Major League Baseball, including on a letter to the United States Congress supporting a bill to end qualified immunity, which makes it difficult to sue police officers for brutality...
...U.S. Representatives Justin Amash (L-Michigan) and Ayanna Pressley (D-Massachusetts) introduced the bill Thursday, seeking to eliminate the doctrine of qualified immunity and give Americans a better chance to hold police and other public officials accountable in court, when the citizens believe their constitutional rights are violated."
Chicago Bears have already made their stance clear
Lucas has been the most outspoken in regards to these matter thus far. The Bears signed the veteran safety recently from Kansas City. In his first meeting with the press, he made clear his "110%" intentions to kneel before games this season as protest. So the fact he signed the petition is hardly a shock. Seeing several former Bears on it as well goes to show that this issue is impacting all generations. Not just the current one.
As to whether this bill will pass? That's difficult to say. It could get through the House of Representatives but the Senate would be a different story. Then again something like this letter could end up swaying a lot of powerful people in Washington. It's never a bad thing for a political career having star athletes on your side.
Either way, this is just more proof that the calls for change aren't going away this time.
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