Kings, Kopitar condemn racism, injustice

The Los Angeles Kings and team captain Anze Kopitar spoke out Sunday against racism and injustice amid protests throughout North America following the death of George Floyd.

"The L.A. Kings are united against racism and acts of hatred toward others," the team said in a statement. "Our voice is here to support the black community and condemn those injustices. Now is the time to raise the volume peacefully.

"Enough Racism. Enough Senseless Violence. ENOUGH."

Kopitar shared a similar sentiment through his own personal Twitter account, denouncing racism and inequality while calling for action toward a better future.

Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died Monday in Minneapolis after now-former police officer Derek Chauvin pinned him to the ground with his knee for over eight minutes while Floyd was handcuffed.

Minnesota native and Winnipeg Jets captain Blake Wheeler took to social media on Saturday to share his feelings.

"America is not OK ... I'm heartbroken that we still treat people this way," he wrote. "We need to stand with the black community and fundamentally change how the leadership in this country has dealt with racism."

San Jose Sharks forward Evander Kane, one of only a few black players in the NHL, also called for more globally recognized athletes to use their platform to speak out against racism. Sharks captain Logan Couture supported his teammate Friday, saying athletes can't continue to turn a blind eye to racism.

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