'Don't Ignore George Floyd' Ohio State Football Team Says

COLUMBUS, OH — The Ohio State University football team released a video urging Ohioans and Americans everywhere to fight racism. Protests over the death of George Floyd continue to erupt across the nation.

During the video, members of the Ohio State Football team, including head coach Ryan Day, explain why Ohioans should not ignore the death of Floyd. They also lay out that protests are not about racial divisions, but ending systemic racism.

"As a team, we've committed ourselves to fight for change," Day said in the video. "And now, we're asking you to join us."

The protests were sparked by the death of Floyd in Minneapolis. Floyd died after being arrested by Minneapolis police. Video of his arrest shows officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on Floyd's neck, while Floyd repeatedly says he "cannot breathe." Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter on Friday.

Demonstrations protesting Floyd's death broke out in Cleveland and Columbus over the weekend. Tensions between police and protesters escalated in both cities, as police fired tear gas into crowds and protesters burned police cruisers.

The Ohio State University basketball player Seth Towns was detained in Columbus while peacefully protesting. In a video released by Towns, he can be seen chanting, "Say his name!" while he is being placed in handcuff by a police officer.

More reading:

• Ohio Politicians Pepper Sprayed During Protests
• George Floyd Protest: The View From Within An Ohio Demonstration