#Yankees finally speak up about George Floyd

The Yankees caught up to most of the rest of the sports’ world on Monday, when they released a statement regarding the Black Lives Matter movement in the wake of the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

Two weeks after Floyd was killed when a white police officer knelt on his neck and more than a week into the protests that have impacted the nation, the Yankees became the final MLB organization to officially weigh in, although several players, as well as manager Aaron Boone, previously addressed the situation on social media.

“The New York Yankees have been deeply affected by the senseless tragedies that have befallen our nation, including the killing of George Floyd,” the statement read. “We feel strongly that the most sincere approach to processing out thoughts should begin with creating space within our own organization that allows for meaningful dialogue to flow.”

The team explained the delay in response this way: “We have taken time to listen to many of our players, staff, and employees, and we intend for this open-ended discourse to remain a constant as we move forward. These conversations have been impactful and at times uncomfortable. They have included the thoughts, fears and anger that the subject of racism elicits … Black Lives Matter. The New York Yankees condemn racism, prejudice and injustice in all forms.’’

It continued: “This organization also recognizes our position as leaders in the community, and we will stand firm in utilizing our platform to nurture and engage our neighbors and community partners to address social, economic and educational disparities.”

The organization said it was “devoted to redoubling and sustaining’’ its commitment to equality.

Previously, Giancarlo Stanton was among the Yankee players to denounce Floyd’s death.

“Enough is Enough,” Stanton wrote on Instagram. “It’s going to take everyone to help this system change. No matter your color or attributes, we are all human, who know what’s right deep down. Making a real change will be Justice for Floyd & everyone who came before him. Let’s all be a part of the change.”