Professional athletes across the board are sounding off about the racial injustice and police brutality which was on display during the death of George Floyd. Leagues are releasing statements, teams creating initiatives and individual players are donating money for the cause.
Throughout all of this, I have asked myself what Maurkice Pouncey thinks of the current state of our country. Pouncey isn't just an outspoken individual who isn't afraid to give his thoughts on a topic, but he also does a lot of work with the police departments in both Florida and Pennsylvania.
Pouncey had remained quiet but spoke with 93.7 The Fan about what was going on, sharing his unique perspective on the issues plaguing our country at the moment.
“We’ve got to bring awareness to police brutality,” Pouncey said. “And I’m full in with the police. Every city I’m in, I love the police. Some of my best friends are cops. But the ones that are bad, we’ve got to weed them out. That’s just common sense.”
As stated earlier, Pouncey's stance is a unique one. His relationship and his work in the community with the police and inner-city youth aren't to be ignored. The Pouncey Foundation, created by Maurkice and his twin brother Mike, provides tickets for youth to attend games with local law enforcement. This creates an atmosphere where kids can see police in a different light.
Here is a more detailed look at what Pouncey's foundation does, per Steelers.com:
Pouncey's mission was to bring together the community and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, something talked about in a meeting with police and several players a few years ago. He wanted to do something to build trust and develop a relationship that will hopefully last, and will improve relations long term.
That drive, that desire to always work for something better, is one of the many reasons Pouncey was selected as the Steelers Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee.
Why did Pouncey want to do this? What was the driving force behind this initiative? For him, it's simple.
"This gives the kids a chance to see the police beyond the uniform. They are human. They are great people. They have kids and family members too," Pouncey told the team's official website. "Just because they wear a badge, you shouldn't look at them a certain way. They are a lot of great people that help with a lot of great causes."
Pouncey also commented about the NFL returning to the field amidst the coronavirus pandemic, and, as usual, didn't hold back.
“We’ve locked down the world for as long as we can. This is a working country,” Pouncey said. “I get it. We’ve got to be as safe as possible. Yeah, we do. But for us not to come back and play sports? When we’re all young and healthy?
“I hope there ain’t no 60-year-old players out there playing football.”
A simple search on any social media platform might make you realize Pouncey's sentiments on all of the above issues could be considered taboo. Nonetheless, Pouncey has never been one to shy away from saying what he believes, and at times it might be what needs to be said.
Pouncey was very outspoken following the on-field issues with Myles Garrett and the altercation with Mason Rudolph during Thursday Night Football in 2019. Pouncey, who came to his teammate's aide, not only condemned Garrett's actions but also stuck up for Rudolph after he was accused of using a racial slur, inciting the brawl.
His opinions might not always be popular, but Pouncey's recent comments provide a unique outlook on several issues our country is currently facing.
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