Less than a day after the shooting of Jacob Blake by Kenosha Police, the future Hall of Fame quarterback of the Green Bay Packers used his platform to speak about what he considers to be a continual issue of police mistreatment of minorities.
“There’s a systemic problem. Until the problem is fixed, this is going to be an all-too common sighting in this country,” Rodgers said in an interview with reporters Monday. “Obviously, this hits home, not being far from Green Bay.”
Aaron Rodgers’ full two-minute, 20-second response to the shooting in Kenosha, Wisconsin yesterday captured on video: pic.twitter.com/LAl2QsCJJz
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) August 24, 2020
Rodgers believes that the question of necessary lethal force must be addressed by state lawmakers and Governor Evers, along with laws about policing that he believes should not be on the books.
“There are antiquated laws that are prejudicial against people of color in this state,” he said. “I think the governor and the folks at the Capitol need to take a hard look at some of those systems that are in place.”
On Monday, Evers announced a special legislative session to come on August 31, one meant to specifically address those questions.
Rodgers also shared respect for many law enforcement officers and his interactions with them, noting that he believes not all players on the majority-black Packers roster have been treated fairly by officers.
“I know a ton of (police officers). A lot of them have traveled with us over the years. I’ve been pulled over a couple times. I’ve had nice interactions which aren’t the norm of everybody on this squad,” said Rodgers. “I have a lot of love and affection for the guys I’ve seen on a regular basis here for 15 years.”
But Rodgers is asking for police officers who treat minorities fairly to call out fellow law enforcement officers who don’t.
“One action by a cop doesn’t mean that every cop is unfit for duty or racist, but it gives them a bad name. It’s a bad look,” Rodgers stated. “I hope there can be cops who can speak out as we’re speaking out about these things and be as disgusted at this unfortunate norm has become in our country, but it starts with the system that’s in place. Until the system is changed, there’s not going to be a whole lot of change.”
Rodgers also spoke of the need for people to listen to each other rather than react, in order to help grow understanding of issues at hand.
A thoughtful answer from @AaronRodgers12 pic.twitter.com/aoA1ELHMgh
— Zach Kruse (@zachkruse2) August 24, 2020