Matthews: 'World must unite, not divide' in fight against racism

Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews is calling for unity in the fight against racism and injustice.

"As a Latino American, it is impossible for me to understand and fathom what others endure," Matthews said Sunday on Twitter. "My thoughts and prayers go out to all those who have lost loved ones and who have endured pain and suffering due to hateful, racist attitudes and beliefs.

"The world must unite, not divide. We need to stand together in support of justice, love, and peace for all. We need change."

Protests continue across North America following the death of George Floyd.

Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died Monday in Minneapolis after now-former police officer Derek Chauvin pinned him to the ground with his knee for over eight minutes while Floyd was handcuffed. Chauvin was fired and has since been charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Mathieu Joseph pleaded for the protests to lead to real positive change in society.

"We need to focus on the solution," Joseph said Sunday.

San Jose Sharks forward Evander Kane called Friday for higher-profile athletes to speak out and denounce injustice. Both Kane and Joseph are among a small minority of black players in the NHL.

Sharks captain Logan Couture supported his teammate Friday, saying athletes can't continue to turn a blind eye to racism. Since then, Winnipeg Jets captain Blake Wheeler and Los Angeles Kings forward Anze Kopitar, among others, also shared their pleas in the fight against racial injustice.

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