Gopher athletes and coaches respond to George Floyd’s killing, protests via social media

Some members of the University of Minnesota athletics community have marched in the protests or made supply donations..

Athletic Director Mark Coyle addresses the Board of Regents in regards to a contract extension signed by head football coach P.J. Fleck at the McNamara Alumni Center on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019. The deal, signed by Fleck last week, extends his contract through the 2026 season and will increase his base salary to $4.6 million.

Published June 2, 2020

In the days following the killing of George Floyd, University of Minnesota student athletes, coaches and administrators have condemned the acts that led to Floyd’s death and voiced strong support for protesting efforts on social media.

Here’s a list of some of those that have spoken out:

Athletics director Mark Coyle released a statement on Monday.

#UnitedAreWe pic.twitter.com/USyxhkgi4S

— Minnesota Gophers (@GopherSports) June 1, 2020

Men’s basketball coach Richard Pitino tweeted this on Friday.

Minnesota is special. I can’t put my finger on it but it just is. It’s home. This week has been so hard. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Floyd family. Absolutely sickening. Let’s pull together MINNESOTA and show just how special we truly are. #RIPGeorgeFloyd

— Richard Pitino (@CoachPitinoMN) May 30, 2020

Gophers football coach P.J. Fleck released a statement Friday. Fleck also appeared on ESPN’s First Take to discuss the situation.

pic.twitter.com/kIjT6z8TbE

— P.J. Fleck (@Coach_Fleck) May 30, 2020

"This is the generation that CAN change this."

Powerful words from University of Minnesota head coach P.J. Fleck, who believes "the world can learn a lot from college football teams." pic.twitter.com/dhtvPQznl8

— First Take (@FirstTake) June 1, 2020

Women’s basketball coach Lindsay Whalen first tweeted Wednesday and has subsequently posted numerous times, including about her participation at donation drops in Minneapolis.