Steelers choose to continue practicing as several teams protest in wake of Jacob Blake shooting

PITTSBURGH — In the wake of the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Wisconsin, several NFL teams have joined the protest against racism and racial injustice.

The New York Jets, Indianapolis Colts and Green Bay Packers were three of the nine teams that canceled practices or scrimmages on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers moved forward and practiced.

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Steelers’ head coach Mike Tomlin said the team didn’t give any real consideration to ‘not’ having practice, and in the last few hours, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger gave some insight into how he views the situation.

“I think each athlete, each person -- whether it’s a coach or whoever it is -- has the choice to decide what level and what degree they use their platform,” Roethlisberger said in a Zoom interview. “I think the biggest thing for now for me specifically is to listen to my African-American teammates and friends that aren’t even in football to get a better understanding to educate myself.”

Tomlin added the organization supports players voicing their opinions, as long as they do it thoughtfully and with class.

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