NFL rolls out social justice initiative
Details of the NFL’s new community and social justice initiative are coming into focus, including a program that allows players and teams to apply for grants directed to local community programs and nonprofit organizations.
In a three-page memo sent Friday to all 32 clubs and obtained by The Times, NFL Chief Operating Officer Tod Leiweke said the league has worked for almost a year to create an initiative “that focuses on creating meaningful solutions to improve our communities.”
NFL ownership and executives have met on multiple occasions with players to work on solutions in the wake of national anthem protests around the league.
“The initiative addresses the broad heading of ‘social justice,’ a concept that we, the Players Coalition, and other stakeholders have embraced throughout our discussions,” Leiweke wrote. “Social justice may mean different things to different people and organizations. The NFL’s work will encompass programs and initiatives that reduce barriers to opportunity, with a priority on supporting improvements in education, community/police relations and our criminal justice system. Additional focus areas include poverty, racial equality and workforce development.”
The initial funding of the program will come from a $3-million grant approved by the NFL Foundation this week. That will allow for players to apply for grants.
In the coming weeks, Leiweke said, the league will be establishing a working committee comprising team owners and players who will be responsible for further developing the framework of the initiative.
Follow Sam Farmer on Twitter @LATimesfarmer
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