PHOENIX SUNS

Suns head coach Monty Williams ‘angry, afraid and in pain’ amid riots

May 31, 2020, 2:30 PM | Updated: 6:59 pm
Follow @GrandpaKeebs...

PHOENIX — Statements issued by the Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury and Suns head coach Monty Williams called for change following a night of vandalism and graffiti seen near Talking Stick Resort Arena on Saturday.

The home of both the Suns and Mercury suffered damages as riots marched through the streets of downtown Phoenix in protest of police brutality following the death of George Floyd on Monday.

“I’m angry. I’m afraid. And I’m in pain,” Williams began his letter.

He expanded on looking for solutions to problems of racism, including personal experiences from growing up in Virginia.

It stressed multiple times the anger, pain and fear he feels personally and for the community at large.

I’m distraught as I look at my boys – two are African American and one is Caucasian – because too many people see them differently. None of them should have to think about how law enforcement will treat them if pulled over for rolling through a stop sign. None of them should be followed through a department store by security. None of them should feel the sweat rolling down their back when a cop follows them for blocks. Alas, their worlds are different, and something is wrong with that.

Following an expression of gratitude for the members of law enforcement who serve “ALL people,” Williams finishes his letter with a call for change and a quote.

“It IS time to raze the institutional foundations of racism and segregation within politics, law enforcement and society at large. It must happen NOW,” Williams said.

“Borrowing from C.S. Lewis, ‘you can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.’ We must be the change now.”

Williams also said that he doesn’t believe destroying property is the answer.

“To those who are using the façade of a protest or march by choosing to destroy and tear down, I challenge you to be better,” Williams said.

The Suns and Mercury also echoed his sentiment for change in a joint letter released by the teams on Sunday.

“We must raise our voices and come together peacefully so that everyone can feel safe while striving for change,” the statement read.

The release also included the quote from C.S. Lewis while encouraging peace and love among the community.

“Condemn violence and hate. Embrace love and change,” the joint statement said.

“The Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury organizations stand alongside those who will fight for justice, inclusion, and the suppression of bigotry,”

The recent deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery were all cited as examples of recent police brutality and prejudice that has sparked riots and protests throughout Phoenix, Scottsdale and other cities across the country.

Phoenix Suns

Incoming Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia claps during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Foo...
Character Counts

Suns owner Mat Ishbia, fan team up to give away suite tickets

New Suns majority owner Mat Ishbia is finding a new ways to ingratiate himself with the community by teaming up with fan, Andrew Leezus.
20 hours ago
Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns reacts after scoring in the second half against the Chicago Bu...
Arizona Sports

Suns’ Kevin Durant will return Wednesday vs. Timberwolves

Phoenix Suns GM and president of basketball operations James Jones said he expected Kevin Durant to play Wednesday against the Timberwolves.
20 hours ago
Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns warms up before a game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Arena on...
Kellan Olson

Devin Booker’s lifelong dream of Nike signature shoe reportedly on horizon

Devin Booker's completion rate on his bucket list puts just about all of us to shame. A signature shoe with Nike is the next box to check.
20 hours ago
Phoenix Suns Forward Kevin Durant (35) and Phoenix Suns Guard Devin Booker (1) looks on during a NB...
Kellan Olson

What to watch in Kevin Durant’s return, closing stretch of the season

Wednesday is expected to bring the home debut of Kevin Durant and the resumption of the Phoenix Suns' incorporation process.
20 hours ago
Karl-Anthony Towns #32and Mike Conley #10 of the Minnesota Timberwolves react after Towns hit the g...
Kellan Olson

Timberwolves finally at full strength ahead of crucial matchup vs. Suns

The Phoenix Suns have a big-time game on Wednesday against the Minnesota Timberwolves, who have a few things coming together right now.
2 days ago
Phoenix Suns' Chris Paul, right, gets congratulations from Kevin Durant, left, and Devin Booker, mi...
Kevin Zimmerman

Mess of the West: Suns’ tiebreakers come into focus with 7 games left

Kevin Durant's return against the Minnesota Timberwolves could help the Phoenix Suns lock up an NBA standings tiebreaker.
20 hours ago
Suns head coach Monty Williams ‘angry, afraid and in pain’ amid riots