Juwan Howard issues statement on George Floyd: ‘Don’t let up in this fight’

Michigan Wolverines head basketball coach Juwan Howard has released a statement on the death of George Floyd and the protests that have erupted across the country against police brutality and equal rights for the black community.

Here is what he put out on his Twitter account on Monday:

“As a country, we must do better. As a nation of diverse people, we must stand strong. As a black community, we must rise up and let our voices be heard. However, we must do so peacefully. Looting, vandalism and destruction only create more pain. It hurts the case instead of letting it blossom. Witnessing murders of unarmed black men has been gut-wrenching knowing my very own sons are at risk. It’s something Jenine and I live with every day. Focus, unite, speak out, grow. Don’t let up in this fight. Remember, we need to do this together, all of us, as one. We must leave this world better for our children. We have united for the COVID-19 fight which has taken so many lives. We can unite for this, we must, to defeat racism.”

Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh also spoke on the topic on Sunday in a brief message on Twitter, his first post in over six months:

“I believe in equal justice for all.All injustice should be confronted and punished. It has to be equal and fair for all, and no one can be above the law. I pray we can get there!”

Harbaugh initially made comments about Floyd’s death earlier late last week on Rich Eisen’s podcast, and was disturbed by what happened.

“Well, today I’m very upset about the George Floyd death,” Harbaugh said Thursday. “That’s kind of got me preoccupied today. I’m just very (upset). Horrendous.”