George Floyd’s Brother Defends Las Vegas Raiders Over Controversial ‘I Can Breathe’ Tweet: Let’s Take This Breath Together

George Floyd’s Brother Defends Las Vegas Raiders Over Controversial ‘I Can Breathe’ Tweet: Let’s Take This Breath Together

Update #2 (April 22nd): While the Las Vegas Raiders received lots of criticism for an “I Can Breathe” tweet after George Floyd’s killer, former office Derek Chauvin was found guilty, Philonise Floyd is thanking the team.

Philonise Floyd, the brother of George Floyd, said in a statement:

“On behalf of our family, I would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the Las Vegas Raiders organization and its leadership for their support of our family and for our nation’s ongoing pursuit of justice and equality for all.”

He ended by saying this is the time to unite with one another.

“Now, more than ever, we must come together as one and continue on in this fight. For the first time in almost a year, our family has taken a breath. And I know that goes for so many across the nation and globe, as well. Let’s take this breath together in honor of my big brother who couldn’t. Let’s do it for George.”

Raiders owner Mark Davis, who previously took responsibility for the tweet, also said,

“It was taken negatively by 99 percent of the people. That happens. That’s part of social media.”

He never deleted the tweet as it had already gone viral. He added,

“It’s a tough situation. I feel bad it was taken in a way it wasn’t meant to be done. That can only be my fault for not explaining it.”

Original Story (April 21st): The owner of the Las Vegas Raiders team is taking responsibility for a tweet over Derek Chauvin’s verdict that received lots of criticism.

The message, which reads, “I can breathe” was posted from the team page after Derek Chauvin was found guilty on all counts for the murder of George Floyd.

The “I Can Breathe” statement is a reference to the well-known last words of George Floyd. These harrowing last words have since become well-known and well-publicized, such as at Black Lives Matter protests where one can see signs and clothing emblazoned with “I can’t breathe.” However, the use of “I can’t breathe” within the BLM movement was also used earlier, as they were also the last words of Eric Garner, who was choked to death by NYPD officer Daniel Pantaleo in 2014.

As one can imagine, the Las Vegas Raiders tweet was immediately met with backlash and criticism over the statement.

In response to the criticism, Las Vegas Raiders team owner Mark Davis claimed full responsibility. While speaking to Ed Graney of The Las Vegas Review-Journal, Mark Davis stated:

“That’s my tweet. That was me. I don’t want anyone in the organization taking heat. I take full responsibility for that”

Supposedly, Mark Davis was inspired to make his tweet after hearing George Floyd‘s brother rejoice in Derek Chauvin’s guilty verdicts. Floyd’s brother claimed:

“Today, we are able to breathe again”

What are your thoughts on the tweet issued by the Las Vegas Raiders? Comment down below to let us know!