Derek Jeter responds to George Floyd’s death

MIAMI -- Marlins chief executive officer Derek Jeter issued a strong statement on Monday regarding the death of George Floyd, and he urged everyone to do their part to stamp out racism.

“I am deeply saddened by the death of George Floyd and feel the pain and outrage it has caused his family and people throughout the world,” Jeter said in a statement. “This is a narrative that has happened far too often with us as people of color. It is time for racial hatred to end and to be unquestionably recognized and responded to with severe punishment.

“It's encouraging to see people of all colors around the world speaking out and protesting another human tragedy that has too often been the death of a black person. No one should be excused from acts of racial hatred. Please do not allow anyone to demonize those who are standing up against these acts.”

Elected to the Hall of Fame in January, Jeter became part-owner and CEO of the Marlins after the 2017 season.

The circumstances of Floyd’s death and the global uproar that has followed have prompted wide responses from the sports world.

“I hope that my children and nephews don't have to live in a society where people are unjustly treated because of the color of their skin,” Jeter said. “I hope that their white friends grow up to recognize that it is not only enough to verbalize their non-racist views, but also to participate at an active level to eradicate racism.

“I hope we can all denounce the insidious signs of racial hatred and take action as human beings.”