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AVONDALE, La. – Cameron Champ and Tony Finau, who team up as one of the top teams at the Zurich Classic in New Orleans this week, have had their voices heard on social media amid the unrest nationals following the death of George Floyd last May, and they expressed relief at the jury’s guilty verdict in the trial of former Minneapolis cop Derek Chauvin on Tuesday.
“I watched it last night on TNT after the basketball game,” Champ said. “And DWade and Shaq would even say it’s like you’re nervous to see what they’re actually going to do, if they’re actually going to hold someone to account for once.”
Finau added: “In the end, I hope that what will ultimately prevail is the eyes of people across the country on what the right thing is in the end, and that’s just the equality for all. This is where I will always stand when it comes to things like this.
Champ is Black, while Finau is the first PGA TOUR pro of Tongan and Samoan origin. Both players openly said they experienced racism.
Chauvin knelt on Floyd’s neck for over nine minutes outside a convenience store in Minneapolis last May as Floyd cried that he couldn’t breathe. A bystander took video of the incident, which sparked a summer of unrest and proved vital to the prosecution case.
The jury took two-day portions to reach a verdict, finding Chauvin guilty of two counts of murder and one count of manslaughter. Reactions from the sports world have poured in. LeBron James tweeted: “RESPONSIBILITY”. Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes simply tweeted a praying hands emoji, while Minnesota Timberwolves forward Karl Anthony-Towns wrote, “Justice and accountability! Things I never thought I would see. There is still a lot of work to be done, but it is a great start to the reform this country NEEDS! NASCAR’s Bubba Wallace wrote: “Justice has served on all fronts. Good. Still a ton of work to do. Continue to rest peacefully #GeorgeFloyd. “
Champ and Finau have been cohesive voices for racial and social equity.
“Silence is not a position I will take,” Finau wrote on Instagram as the world reacted to Floyd’s death last summer. “It’s time to add greater understanding to our perspective. It is time for all of us to build together a future that treats everyone with the dignity, fairness, respect and equality they deserve. I am with you. #Black lives matter “
Last summer, the PGA TOUR recognized Floyd’s death as a moment of racial and social recognition, setting aside a ceremonial tee time at the first event of his return to golf – at 8:46 a.m. to commemorate the life of Floyd and the 8 minutes and 46 seconds. (reported at the time) that Chauvin knelt on his neck.
Following the Jacob Blake shootout by police in August, Champ pointedly wore a black and white shoe during the BMW Championship in the FedExCup playoffs. He still has “EQUAL” stamped on the side of his hat.
“We are proud of the leadership role Cameron and Tony have played this year, using their unique perspectives and thoughtful voices to advocate for justice, fairness and respect for all,” said Jay Monahan, PGA TOUR Commissioner . “They are an important part of what we can do, together, in a genuine way. We can listen, learn and use our platform to amplify and help those who are making positive changes in the world.
“Yesterday’s verdict is a step in this journey, and we remain true to our commitment to unite, make an impact and inspire.”
In dealing with the verdict, Champ landed on the same word as James: responsibility.
“I think for everyone in the black community and only some communities across the country, it was a huge stepping stone to hold everyone accountable, no matter your race, color or profession,” he said. . “I hope this is just a start for things to improve overall.”
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