Utah Jazz Owner Gail Miller Issues Statement On George Floyd Death

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Utah Jazz owner Gail Miller has released a statement following the death of George Floyd.

Floyd died after being handcuffed and pinned to the ground by a Minnesota police officer. Footage of the officer’s knee on Floyd’s neck has led to riots in the streets of Minneapolis. The officer that put his knee on Floyd’s neck has been arrested.

“Hearts across America, and in Utah, are hurting following events of racism, discrimination and injustice sparked by the recent and senseless death of George Floyd. As I stated on the basketball court of Vivint Smart Home Arena last year, ‘We believe in treating all people with courtesy and respect as human beings… no one wins when respect goes away.’ It is my sincerest hope that we will all work together, peacefully and respectfully, to put an end to the mistreatment of any human being. Our homes, neighborhoods, institutions and businesses are enriched and strengthened when we invite, embrace, and celebrate our rich diversity. We must hold ourselves and those around us accountable and to the highest standards of decency. We must approach each other with empathy and kindness as we continue to build collaboration and, more importantly, inclusivity and trust.”

From the @UtahJazz. pic.twitter.com/8aAFCEIpB4

— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) May 31, 2020

Miller issued a statement at a Jazz game last season after then-Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook had a verbal altercation with a Jazz fan.

A protest was held in Salt Lake City on Saturday near the Salt Lake City Library that was intended to be peaceful before hours later, protesters found a police car where they flipped the vehicle over and set it on fire. That led to another vehicle being set on fire. Police controlled the situation hours later and arrested 41 protesters.