Black MLS players form coalition to fight systemic racism

A group of black Major League Soccer players has formed a coalition to address systematic racism in ir communities and bring about change within league.

coalition is result of an Instagram group that began after death of George Floyd at hands of Minneapolis police, which spawned a wave of nationwide protests against racism and policy brutality.

Started by Toronto FC defender Justin Morrow, group grew to some 70 MLS players, who formed Black Players Coalition of MLS.

Morrow said players were already under stress because of new coronavirus when were threatened with a lockout in contract talks. league suspended play March 12 because of pandemic.

And n on top of that charge, George Floyd is killed. And so it kind of felt like my world was crumbling. And when I reached out to my my black soccer player peers, y all felt same way, Morrow said. 

"When we came toger on that call, it was most hopeful thing in one of darkest weeks of my entire life.

Morrow said conversations centered on wher players felt supported by league. players concluded it would be best to form an organization.

re were three goals, Morrow said: To give black players a voice in league; to encour black representation in players' association and higher levels of MLS; and to help local communities.

We've already come to table with Major League Soccer and had conversations with m about things that we'd like to see changed," Morrow said during a video conference call. 

"We want to see action: se slogans, se statements are longer eugh. We want real change. So what is that going to look like in Major League Soccer? What is that going to look like in our communities? And how are we going about that?

Portland's Jeremy Ebobisse, Chicago's CJ Sapong, Nashville's Jalil Anibaba, NYCFC's Sean Johnson and Colorado's Kei Kamara are among some of or players involved.

coalition has proposed training to promote cultural education and combat implicit bias. It also wants to hire a chief diversity officer. group has discussed developing game in black communities and partnering with charities. group has already secured $75,000 in charitable contributions by MLS Players Association.

Major League Soccer proudly recognizes and supports Black Players Coalition of MLS -- a group of players who today, on Juneteenth, have established mselves as influential change leaders, MLS said in a statement. 

league looks forward to continued and longstanding collaborations.

Im credits: AP