Saints' Demario Davis welcomes NFL's reported plan to play Black national anthem
He added more needs to be done when it comes to racial equality in the U.S.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis expressed his support for the NFL’s reported plans of playing the Black national anthem before all Week 1 games during the 2020 season.
Davis, who is a leader on social justice causes off and on the field, told Sports Illustrated’s Jets Country over the weekend that he welcomes “Lift Every Voice and Sing” but knows there’s still more to be done when it comes to racial equality in the U.S.
NFL WILL PLAY BLACK NATIONAL ANTHEM PRIOR TO WEEK 1 GAMES, REPORT SAYS
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}“I believe the thought of playing the song comes with good intentions,” Davis said. “But what matters most is that we address the issues that are plaguing black communities including racism and all forms of systematic injustice.”
The decision to play the song comes following the death of Minneapolis man George Floyd, which led to nationwide protests over racial inequality and police brutality.
According to the ESPN report, the song will be played before “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}LIONS' JEFF OKUDAH STUNS FANS WITH HIS 'RANDOM THOUGHT'
The NFL has not commented on the reported decision.
Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, was among those who wondered what the point of playing the song was.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The league and the NFL Players Association are also contemplating listing the names of victims on uniforms through decals on helmets or patches on jerseys, ESPN reported. The NFL also may produce educational programs about victims. They also have other plans that haven’t been identified.
The league hopes it demonstrates “a genuine commitment to the public, players and coaches and that player voices continue to be heard,” according to ESPN’s source.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell put out a video last month admitting that the league was wrong for not listening to their players when they knelt during the national anthem to protest racial injustice and police brutality.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
"We, at the National Football League, believe Black Lives Matter," Goodell said in the video. "I personally protest with you and want to be part of the much-needed change in this country.
“Without black players, there would be no National Football League and the protests around the country are emblematic of the centuries of silence, inequality, and oppression of black players, coaches, fans, and staff. We are listening, I am listening, and I will be reaching out to players who have raised their voices and others on how we can improve and go forward for a better and more united NFL family.”
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Fox News' Dan Canova contributed to this report.