Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty of two counts of murder on Tuesday in the death of George Floyd.
The jury deliberated for nearly 10 hours, spanning two days, following an emotional trial that lasted three weeks — all centred around the nine minutes Chauvin spent kneeling on Floyd’s neck outside a Minneapolis market, until the latter took his final breaths. The crime Floyd was suspected of was using a counterfeit $20 bill.
It was determined Tuesday that Chauvin is guilty of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Sentencing will be completed in the coming weeks, with Chauvin facing up to 40 years in prison.
Floyd’s death in May 2020 set off months of protests against acts of police brutality and abuse against Black people. Athletes from all sports were among those who marched for justice, while a number of leagues adopted ‘Black Lives Matter’ and ‘End Racism’ messaging when they returned from their respective COVID-19 pauses.
When the verdict was read live on national television, an outpouring of relief from the sports community followed quickly:
Athletes comment on Chauvin being found guilty of murder
The resounding commentary from athletes was that the verdict served as a step towards justice, that it served as accountability, with the work of attaining justice unfinished.
Accountability….RIP George Floyd
— Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) April 20, 2021
But the fact we all saw what we saw last year, and STILL were nervous about if he would be held accountable, shows how far we have to go…
—Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) April 20, 2021
Condolences to the Floyd Family
This is just the first step of starting to change a broken system https://t.co/ueD5EwMizw— Matt Barnes (@Matt_Barnes22) April 20, 2021
— P.K. Subban (@PKSubban1) April 20, 2021
Tears of joy #Justice
— Malik Beasley MB5 (@Mbeasy5) April 20, 2021
Justice
— Saroya Tinker (@saroyatinker71) April 20, 2021
Got Damn right!!! GUILTY!!!
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) April 20, 2021
