Tiger calls for 'unified society' in fight against racial injustice

Tiger Woods offered his condolences to George Floyd's family and called for unity in the battle against racism.

"My heart goes out to George Floyd, his loved ones, and all of us who are hurting right now," Woods wrote Monday on Twitter. "I have always had the utmost respect for our law enforcement. They train so diligently to understand how, when, and where to use force. This shocking tragedy clearly crossed that line."

Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, was killed Monday in Minneapolis when now-former police officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on his neck for over eight minutes while Floyd was handcuffed on the ground. Chauvin was fired and has since been charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

"I remember the L.A. riots and learned that education is the best path forward," Woods continued. "We can make our points without burning the very neighborhoods we live in. I hope that through constructive, honest conversations we can build a safer, unified society."

Protests against racism and police brutality have taken place across North America in response to Floyd's death.

Fellow golfer Harold Varner III addressed the widespread protests with a letter shared via social media on Monday. Varner, a black athlete, called Floyd's death "a senseless killing" and "evil incarnate."

Several other athletes and teams across pro sports have shown their support with messages of solidarity.