Golf superstar Tiger Woods spoke out against the violence that has spun out from protests over the death of George Floyd.
“We can make our points without burning the very neighborhoods that we live in,” Woods said in a statement posted to social media on Monday. “I hope that through constructive, honest conversations we can build a safer, unified society.”
The protests began after Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee into Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes as Floyd repeatedly said he could not breathe. In some cases, property damage, looting, and shootings have taken place during demonstrations calling attention to racial inequality and police brutality.
Woods, who famously described himself as “Cablinasian,” offered words of support for Floyd’s family and law enforcement generally while criticizing the actions of the Minneapolis officers who were involved in the arrest of Floyd.
“My heart goes out to George Floyd, his loved ones, and all of us who are hurting right now,” Woods said. “I have always had the utmost respect for law enforcement. They train so diligently to understand how, when, and where to use force. This shocking tragedy clearly crossed that line.”
Woods is one of many high-profile professional sports athletes, including NBA star Lebron James, who have made statements in response to Floyd’s death.
