Ravens running back Justin Forsett was upset enough by the riots in Baltimore following the death of Freddie Gray to write a lengthy blog about the situation.
Forsett referred to Monday's unrest as an "ugly time."
Signed to a three-year, $9 million contract in March, Forsett expressed his opinion on the matter.
"We were seeing destruction, buildings burning down, kids having altercations with police officers, people getting injured," Forsett wrote. "You see that and your heart is hurting. As a player living in this city, I'm tied to this community now. It's a special place for me for more reasons than just football. These are the people who support our team, who love to watch us play. To see the city going through this…it's tough to watch.
"There were people hurting and lashing out on Monday. For some of those people, they felt like they've been unheard for so long and things were boiling over, and they took those moments to show their frustration. And then there were some people who were acting out just because; acting out that had nothing to do with Freddie Gray or their frustration."
Forsett wrote that he's encouraged to see more peaceful protests going forward.
"We're seeing people come together to try and help rebuild some of what took place on Monday," Forsett wrote. "You are seeing people come to the city and unite. It's a tight-knit, hardworking city here in Baltimore, and the majority of the people here want to help, want to show love, want to be heard. It's been great to watch TV today and see the good that people are doing, the positive stuff. And I'm just praying that it continues.
"The Ravens facility is about 20 minutes from Baltimore, and I've been working out here since I got back from California last week. Yesterday we were alerted that there could be some protests happening close by at our local mall. There were police lined up alongside the road as I was driving home. Nothing happened, but seeing that…it was really eye opening. It was like, man, this is real; this is really close to home."
Forsett wrote that he'd like to get involved to try to lend a hand to help the situation.
"Baltimore is my home now," Forsett wrote. "I love this city, I love this community and I want nothing but the best for it. I stand with the community, and I'm also here to serve it. I'll be finding a way to go out and lend an ear or whatever it is I need to do in order to help this community and be a real part of positive change."
awilson@baltsun.com
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