Branko’s Boys Vow to Stand Their Ground

Don’t Blame the Players for St. Petersburg Riot

A community activist stepped forward after the tragic St. Petersburg game to plead with community members to move past placing the blame on the players. “We need to pull together. Violence accomplishes nothing. We need to move past this.”

Over the weekend the city erupted in violence following the championship game. The city was already on edge following the shooting deaths of two Black men by police the week before.

Some in the community have been agitating for the police involved in the shootings to be fired. They claim that the officers violated policy and used excessive force.

The shooting, which the police claim were justified because the men were armed, have ratcheted up tension between police and the community. Many feel that the police are overstepping their bounds and are afraid to call them for help.

Last month the city council pushed through an agreement with the police union that would make it more difficult to fire officers. Many in the community opposed the move, saying that it would only make matters worse. For many the move was proof that the police were no longer accountable to the public and could act with impunity.

Reconstruction

Now, many in the community are looking to rebuild. This will be difficult as the community continues to reel from the twin tragedies of police brutality and rioting.

For many, it’s time for the police to step back and allow the community to heal. They argue that a heavy police presence will only serve to agitate people and make matters worse.

As the community tries to move past these tragedies, the players have pledged to continue to work with the community. The team has been a positive force in the city, and hope to be able to continue to contribute to the city they call home.