Indianapolis Colts linebacker Darius Leonard stated it was “frightening” to hear that cops could get involved throughout a dispute that resulted in him being kicked out of a Chipotle dining establishment today.
” When you consider being a Black male now in America, and to hear that they want to involve the police– the first thing that went in my mind was I have an other half and a kid,” Leonard told ESPNs First Take on Friday. “If the authorities is included, youre believing youre not making it house. For me to have to sit there and believe that my life remains in jeopardy even if Im sitting there consuming with my household, not causing no issue, is scary.”
Leonard, who resolved what took place in an Instagram video Thursday, stated he was dining with family and good friends, all of whom are non-white, at a Florence, South Carolina, Chipotle when a manager purchased them to leave, saying a white consumer claimed they were being verbally violent.
1 RelatedThat allegation by the consumer was a lie, Leonard said.
” Thats what being Black in America is right now,” Leonard stated in the video. “Us not even doing anything wrong, heading out to consume with your household, simply attempting to invest a bit of quality time. You cant even enjoying consuming any longer.”
Leonard stated the manager had a “dreadful mindset” and made his celebration leave after threatening to call the authorities. He told First Take that the supervisors demeanor altered after he discovered out the linebackers identity, but that was frustrating.
” It draws that you need to be someone in the public eye that they appreciate to get dealt with similarly,” Leonard stated. “Besides me playing football or anything, I am a human. I wish to be treated as everybody else.”
Chipotle CEO and chairman Brian Niccol said in a declaration to the Indianapolis Star that the supervisor has been suspended while the restaurant examines the occurrence, including that the chain has a “absolutely no tolerance policy for discrimination of any kind.”
Leonard said he talked to Niccol on Thursday night but stated he is searching for more than an apology.
” Just shooting the manager is not gon na do whatever,” Leonard said on First Take. “What you need to do is head out and continue to reveal a diverse neighborhood that thats not who we are. Whichs what I want them to do: I desire them to step up and take an advance into change, rather of simply asking forgiveness.”
The Colts likewise launched a declaration to reveal assistance for Leonard.
” Dariuss experience demonstrates the battle numerous Black Americans and people of color face every day,” the group said. “It likewise demonstrates why we need severe action from our federal government leaders, police, organizations, and everyday Americans to end systemic bigotry and injustice and to continue this essential discussion on how to motivate positive modification in our nation.”
” When you believe about being a Black male now in America, and to hear that they desire to include the police– the very first thing that went in my mind was I have an other half and a kid,” Leonard informed ESPNs First Take on Friday.” Thats what being Black in America is right now,” Leonard said in the video.” It draws that you have to be somebody in the public eye that they look up to get treated similarly,” Leonard stated.” Just firing the supervisor is not gon na do everything,” Leonard stated on First Take.
