Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Steve Kerr and others support new bill to end 'qualified immunity'

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady, New Orleans Saints star Drew Brees were among  1400-plus athletes across United States who have signed a letter sent by Players Coalition to US Congress demanding an end qualified immunity bill. On Wednesday, Players Coalition sent letter signed by athletes from country's major sports leagues to show ir support for bill to eliminate 'Qualified Immunity Act' passed by Representatives Justin Amash and Ayanna Pressley. If passed, it would allow civil lawsuits against police officers. 

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Tom Brady, Drew Brees sign letter from Players Coalition

"With unprecedented support from across three major professional sports leagues, Players Coalition submitted a letter to Congress on Wednesday morning supporting pass of Amash-Pressley bill, which would end qualified immunity for police officers and or government officials," statement from NFL read.

Alongside Tom Brady and Drew Brees, Cleveland Browns star Odell Beckham Jr., MLB stars Matt Kemp and Giancarlo Stanton, former MLB pitcher CC Sabathia, Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, San Antonio Spurs head coach Greg Popovich, New Orleans Pelicans guard JJ Reddick are some of high-profile names who have signed letter. 

"We have engd in too many 'listening sessions' where we discuss wher re is a problem of police violence in this country. re is a problem," Players Coalition wrote. " time for debate about unchecked authority of police is over; it is w time for change."

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death of George Floyd, an unarmed African-American, in hands of a police officer has sparked one of biggest civil rights movement in US in recent history. Protests against racial injustice and police brutality have been supported by masses. Black Lives Matter movement has received massive support across globe with athletes, celebrities and general population showing solidarity towards campaign. 

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Qualified Immunity Bill

Qualified immunity bill is a legal doctrine in federal law that shields law enforcement and government officials from civil liability for actions taken while on duty. However,  Amash-Pressley Bill would end qualified immunity and allow law enforcement officers and government officials to be sued for ir actions. "When police officers kill an unarmed man, when y beat a woman, or when y shoot a child, people of this country must have a way to hold m accountable in a court of law," Players Coalition explained reasoning behind letter. 

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Tom Brady and Drew Brees were among several NFL stars who joined last week's Blackout Tuesday movement on social media. Drew Brees was also on receiving end of heavy criticism for his remarks over protesting during national anm. Brees said he would never understand protesting during national anm as he explained it would be disrespectful to US flag as well as armed forces. After backlash he faced from fans and his NFL peers for his comments, Drew Brees issued multiple apologies via social media. 

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