Buffalo Bills Quarterback Jake Fromm issued an apology after leaked text messages revealed racist statements made in the past. In the text message, the 2020 draft pick 5th round pick from Georgia says that only “elite white people” should own guns.
After the messages leaked, rumors swirled that the Bills were considering releasing the embattled rookie, but Fromm’s apology seems to have been enough for the franchise to keep him on board.
“I am extremely sorry that I chose to use the words ‘elite white people’ in a text message conversation… there is no excuse for that word choice and sentiment,” Fromm said in a statement. “While it was poor, my heart is not. Now, more than ever, is the time for support and togetherness and I stand against racism 100%.”
The Bills announced that Fromm held a meeting with the team and coaches to issue a personal apology. Fromm is also asking for the forgiveness of the fans.
He was wrong and he admitted it to us. We don’t condone what he said. Jake was honest and forthcoming to us about the text exchange,” the Bills organization said in a statement. “We will continue to work with Jake on the responsibilities of being a Buffalo Bill on and off the field.” No formal punishment was announced.
The timing of the leaked messages is poor as the nation gripes with institutional racism in the form of police brutality. It seems that everyday different forms of racism have been exposed since the brutal killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Fromm is just the latest to be exposed.
Another NFL quarterback, Drew Brees, caught heat for seeming to go against the grain in an interview with Yahoo Sports saying that he would never support protests against the flag.
Brees later apologized saying that he should’ve done more listening and less talking to learn what the protest was truly about.