George Floyd’s death this week sparked protests across the country after video emerged that shows the 46-year-old black man handcuffed and on the ground saying, “I can’t breathe,” as a police officer holds him down with a knee on his neck.
All four officers involved in the incident have been fired from the Minneapolis Police Department, but no charges have been announced as of yet.
Athletes from all walks of life have spoken out about the incident, but Max Kepler had the most tone deaf response when he posted a picture of himself rocking a “Thin Blue Line” or “Blue Lives Matter” American flag that is used to represent law enforcement and is flown to show support for the men and women who put their lives on the line every day. It also represents the 2014 countermovement to the anti-police violence Black Lives Matter organization.
Not exactly the message you want to send out when the country just saw clear video of police brutality.
He responded to the backlash on Instagram by making it worse:
“Didn’t know what that blue line stood for,” Kepler said in defense of wearing the mask. “Police is green in Germany,” Kepler said.
The Minnesota Twins star was blasted on social media as a result:
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