The Carolina Panthers home game this Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings might not take place in Charlotte.
Charlotte declared a state of emergency on Wednesday due to ongoing protests in the city after police shot and killed 43-year-old Keith Scott, mistaking him for a man wanted by police. On the second night of protests against police oppression, a protester was shot. With North Carolina experiencing significant turmoil, the Carolina Panthers are reportedly considering moving Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings at Bank of America Stadium, according to Fox 46.
“We are in contact with government officials, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and the NFL. We are continuing to monitor events as we prepare for Sunday’s home game.”
The decision to move a home game amidst the chaos and calamity seems like an appropriate reaction. The protest over Scott’s death is a response to systemic police violence against black people in the United States. Charlotte is grieving. Football is the last thing on people’s minds. Some protesters caused more distress than necessary, but to lump in all the bad apples with a majority trying to fight oppression is unfair.
Conversely, the Panthers organization is also said to be considering adding an increased police presence at the Carolina-hosted game. ESPN reports the organization is wondering whether they’ll be able to have a big enough police presence to handle security concerns and keep the stadium safe.
The NFL released a statement, saying they were monitoring the situation and were in communication with both the Panthers and Vikings.
Our statement on Vikings-Panthers game on Sunday pic.twitter.com/LvH59fyAJf
— Brian McCarthy (@NFLprguy) September 22, 2016
The situation unfolding in Charlotte illustrates the importance of Colin Kaepernick’s resolute protest against the anthem. The United States still struggles greatly with the oppression of minorities. A wide-ranging conversation on how to change things for the betterment of everyone is of the utmost importance. Violence isn’t the answer, but engaging in discourse about the issue is key to solving the problem. If moving the game is necessary, so be it. It’s secondary compared to what’s unfolding in Charlotte.
[Fox 46]
