Ravens, Owner Steve Bisciotti Pledge $1 M To Social Justice

OWINGS MILLS, MD — Just days after protests began around the country rallying against the death of George Floyd last week in Minneapolis, Baltimore Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti has pledged to donate $1 million for social justice reform in the Baltimore area.

The donation is a joint effort between the Ravens and the Stephen and Renee Bisciotti Foundation. A committee of current and former Ravens players will determine which community programs will benefit directly from the contribution.

"There is nothing I can say to ease the pain felt by African-American communities across our country. No words will repair the damage that has been done," Bisciotti said in a statement issued by the team. "Like many people, I am sickened, disheartened and shaken by the acts of racism that continue to overwhelm our society. The most recent killing, involving George Floyd, is yet another tragic example of the discrimination that African-Americans face each day."

Floyd died last week while in custody of Minneapolis police officers, including Derek Chauvin, who was fired and then charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. Other officers involved in the incident have been fired but not charged.

The Stephen and Renee Bisciotti Foundation and the Ravens have donated $3.2 million in contributions since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. The foundation has donated $1 million to the Maryland Food Bank and has also provided financial support for other community groups impacted by the pandemic.

This week’s pledge is the latest made by the franchise and its owner since 2015 when Baltimore experienced rioting in the death of Freddie Gray in 2015. Several former Ravens players, including Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis have taken to social media to express their thoughts about Floyd's death and the need for more social justice.

"Now, more than ever, we must all strengthen our pursuit of positive change, as we stand with peaceful protestors around the country," Bisciotti said in the statement. "We must all seek to understand by listening better and learning more. We must all discover new ways to unite. We must all work to break the cycle of systematic racial injustice."

Bisciotti added, "Our players have been - and will continue to be - at the forefront of this change. We believe in their commitment to furthering social justice and invoking meaningful change. We stand side by side with them, in full support."