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Addo-Carr inspires Storm to take a knee for Black Lives Matter movement

Melbourne Storm have shown their support for the Black Lives Matter movement by taking a knee at training on Friday following a suggestion from international winger Josh Addo-Carr.

After players from Richmond and Collingwood did the same before their AFL clash at the MCG on Thursday night, Addo-Carr sent a message to his teammates on their WhatsApp group for them to take a knee at training in solidarity with the protests that have been widespread in the United States and throughout the world in recent weeks.

Addo-Carr, an Indigenous All Stars representative, told his teammates they were under no obligation to do so but the players and coach Craig Bellamy joined him in taking a knee after Melbourne's training session on Friday.

"I just thought it would be a good way to address you boys about how you've seen the AFL boys taking a knee, taking photos, just supporting what's been going on in the world," he said in addressing his teammates.

"I just thought it would be a good way for everyone to support that. Don't feel pressure to do it, I just think it would be a good way to spread the awareness of Black Lives Matter."

In posting the photo of the team taking a knee, the Storm reaffirmed its support for Addo-Carr's stance.

"A statement we at Melbourne Storm firmly believe, which is aligned with our club values of family, respect and accountability: If it’s important to one of us, it’s important to all of us."

At Bankwest Stadium on Friday night the Eels and Panthers players also took a knee at full-time to raise awareness for Aboriginal deaths in custody.

Eels winger Blake Ferguson was the driving force behind the show of support for Indigenous Australians.

Moment of reflection

 

Acknowledgement of Country

National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.

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