Tim Anderson and Lucas Giolito have never been shy when it comes to standing up for what they believe in. As protests continue across the country in response to the death of George Floyd, the two stars within the White Sox organization shared their messages on social media before talking with reporters earlier in the week.
Giolito was the first to open up about the ongoing problems in America by posting this statement on his personal Twitter.
The full message in the tweet reads:
“I don’t know what it is to grow up Black in the U.S.A. because it was not my experience. I do know that my parents never had to worry about me being pulled over and maybe never making it home.
“It’s time to do better. It’s time for true equality and justice for all Americans. In fact, it’s way overdue. Stop turning a blind eye, stop refusing to talk about it because it’s ‘uncomfortable.’ Complacency will only allow the scourge of racism to survive. It’s been 400 years. Enough is enough.
“Black men and women like Trayvon Martin, Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd and Breonna Taylor will continue to die in the streets and in their homes if we don’t stand alongside them., echoing their voices loud and clear and demand real change and accountability. That’s why I’m joining @ColorOfChange. Please join me and let your voice be heard. #BlackLivesMatter”
The very powerful call for justice and equality from the All-Star made him one of the first white players around the league to address the matter. Seeing Lucas’ prior willingness to share his views on other issues, this doesn’t come as a shock.
Anderson’s messages came the following day in a little bit of a different form, but they were just as moving. He and photographer Chris Tejeda took photos around the city following protests that occured the night before. The images were later posted on Anderson’s Twitter and Instagram accounts by Sunday afternoon.
Once the weekend passed, both players opened up further about the messages they shared and thoughts on the current issues plaguing the nation. Here are a few tweets from members of the Sox beat, with links to their full articles available below.
In addition to these two players, other members of the White Sox expressed their support with the ongoing movements across the country by taking part in yesterday’s “Blackout Tuesday” social media trend. The initiative called for everyone to take a break from their everyday posting and stand in solidarity with the black community. Countless people within the franchise, from minor leaguers to those already on the South Side, joined in posting a black photo across all major platforms.
To hear the full responses from Anderson and Giolito, please consider reading the following articles on the matter.
- Anderson: ‘We stand for more than our job title’ (MLB.com)
- ‘We’re human beings’: Tim Anderson, Lucas Giolito on protests, racial injustice (The Athletic)
- White Sox’s Tim Anderson: ‘You have to show the good, the bad and the ugly’ (NBC Sports Chicago)
- White Sox’s Tim Anderson, Lucas Giolto inspired by their relationship (ESPN)
Follow us on social media @SoxOn35th for more updates.
Featured Photo: Chris Tejeda/@FotoGenocide_
