Sixers, NBA/NBPA support guilty verdict in the murder of George Floyd

The 76ers and the NBA came out in support of the Tuesday’s jury verdict finding former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin guilty on all charges in the murder of George Floyd.

Chauvin, a white man, was convicted of murder and manslaughter for pinning Floyd to the pavement with his knee on the Black man’s neck.

The Sixers released the following statement:

“Today’s verdict, which found Derek Chauvin guilty of all charges in the murder of George Floyd, represents a step towards accountability. While the outcome of the trial may deliver a sense of relief, it will not bring back the life that was tragically taken. We know that full justice will only be achieved with systemic change.

“Our thoughts are with Mr. Floyd’s family and friends, and extend to all those affected. Last year, many of us made a pledge to address systemic racism. Now, more than ever, we must reaffirm our commitment to that fight. There is still so much more work to do.”

» READ MORE: After Derek Chauvin is found guilty of murdering George Floyd, Philadelphians and officials say verdict was ‘justice’

NBPA executive director Michele Roberts and NBA commissioner Adam Silver released the following joint statement:

“George Floyd’s murder was a flash point for how we look at race and justice in our country, and we are pleased that justice appears to have been served. But we also recognize that there is much work to be done and the National Basketball Association and the National Basketball Players Association, together with our newly-formed Social Justice Coalition, will redouble our efforts to advocate for meaningful change in the areas of criminal justice and policing.”