Giolito: Equality and justice for all Americans is 'way overdue'

Chicago White Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito issued a statement calling for change in the United States amid nationwide protests following George Floyd's death in Minneapolis.

"I don't know what it is to grow up black in the USA because it was not my experience," Giolito wrote on Twitter Saturday night. "I do know that my parents never had to worry about me being pulled over and maybe never making it home.

"It's time to do better. It's time for true equality and justice for all Americans. In fact, it's way overdue," he added. "Stop turning a blind eye, stop refusing to talk about it because it's 'uncomfortable.' Complacency will only allow the scourge of racism to survive. It's been 400 years. Enough is enough.

"Black men and women like Trayvon Martin, Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, and Breonna Taylor will continue to die on the streets and in their homes if we don't stand alongside of them, echoing their voices loud and clear and demand real change and accountability. ... Please join me and let your voice be heard."

Giolito also stated he's lending his voice to Color of Change, a racial justice organization.

Floyd died in Minneapolis on Monday after white police officer Derek Chauvin held his knee on the 46-year-old's neck for over eight minutes while he was on the ground. Chauvin has since been charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter.

Giolito is the latest Major League Baseball player to speak out following Floyd's death. Washington Nationals reliever Sean Doolittle and New York Yankees outfielder Giancarlo Stanton both tweeted their own statements calling for change over the past 24 hours.