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Ron Rivera talked to the media today, and gave a lengthy interview touching on a lot of important subjects. He opened up the Zoom conference making a statement on the murder of George Floyd that has sparked worldwide protests against police brutality. Rivera did extensive research, and sought out advice from black players and others. He said he spoked with Eric Reid when he was signed to the Panthers, and learned the reasons behind player’s kneeling during the National Anthem. Rivera will support players like Adrian Peterson who have said they will kneel this year.
Ron Rivera is very impressed with Dwayne Haskins Jr. as he enters his second season in the NFL, and looks to be the leader the team needs him to be on and off the field. He also commended, Haskins, Chase Young, and others who have spoken out, and joined in protests over the last two weeks. Rivera touched on one of his favorite themes, competition, when discussing positions like LG, LT, RB, WR, and others. He even got a question about signing WR Antonio Brown who has worked out with Haskins during the offseason...
A message from Head Coach Ron Rivera Full press conference: https://redsk.in/2MOqR10
Posted by Washington Redskins on Wednesday, June 10, 2020
Statement on George Floyd’s death:
Ron Rivera is chatting with us today on Zoom. He opens with a statement: "A little over two weeks ago, a man sworn to protect us murdered George Floyd."
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) June 10, 2020
Players speaking out/protesting:
Ron Rivera starts his press conference with reporters with a statement discussing #GeorgeFloyd's murder. He discussed the protest and how proud he was of Dwayne Haskins and Chase Young took the reins as leaders on the issue. And the creation of a townhall. #HTTR
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) June 10, 2020
Discussing the issues:
Redskins coach Ron Rivera opens video call talking about George Floyd, protests and says organization launching a town hall to talk about the issues. pic.twitter.com/VFoA6Gkgtl
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) June 10, 2020
The Redskins have formed a town hall panel featuring six people. It features Doug Williams and Jennifer King among others. "Black lives do matter," Rivera said.
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) June 10, 2020
Coach Rivera said that in response to these events, the #Redskins are setting up town hall meetings led by six #Redskins employees (Doug Williams, Malcolm Blacken, among others) to discuss and brainstorm action items to support the community.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) June 10, 2020
Ron Rivera says "Black lives do matter, we can't be afraid to say this, so I'm going to say it again. Black lives do matter." #BlackLivesMatter
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) June 10, 2020
Dan Snyder:
Ron Rivera says he talked with owner Dan Snyder about the actionable items to affect change and Snyder said they'd need money to pull this off. He has donated $250K to this. #HTTR
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) June 10, 2020
Dan Snyder has told Rivera that he has to communicate with his players over protests during the anthem, Rivera said.
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) June 10, 2020
Meeting with players to discuss the issues:
Rivera held a video meeting with all the players after George Floyd's murder to discuss actionable plans.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) June 10, 2020
Here's Redskins coach Ron Rivera on gathering the team, and the organization, in the days after George Floyd's death. pic.twitter.com/FXSgYKYadC
— michael phillips (@michaelpRTD) June 10, 2020
Rivera said he did not bring in any outside speakers. But he said Pastor Brett Fuller addressed the team the other day. Spoke with passion.
— John Keim (@john_keim) June 10, 2020
Kneeling during the anthem:
Rivera is asked about Adrian Peterson saying he'll kneel for the anthem: "I was fortunate to have Eric Reid in Carolina. ... When Eric and I talked, it was an eye-opener for me personally. ... It all had to do with social injustice."
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) June 10, 2020
Ron Rivera said he was fortunate enough to have Eric Reid in Carolina. They signed him purely about his football prowess, but then Rivera and Reid talked after signing, and said Reid really helped his understanding of the protest. #HTTR
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) June 10, 2020
Before signing Eric Reid in Carolina, Ron Rivera said he read the constitution, bill of rights and oath of office. He concluded kneeling for the anthem had nothing to do with the flag, that it was about social justice. He has no problem with RB Adrian Peterson saying he'll kneel.
— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) June 10, 2020
Rivera explained that Reid made it apparent the protest isn't about the military, it isn't about the first responders, it's about social justice and Rivera is completely supportive of that. So as far as Adrian Peterson kneeling during the anthem, he's supporting his players #HTTR
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) June 10, 2020
Ron Rivera kept a copy of the Constitution on his desk in Carolina after the team signed Eric Reid, with the First Amendment highlighted. He also kept a quote on his bulletin board that said “Patriotism means to stand by the country. It does not mean to stand by the president.” https://t.co/9WyyLoOx5r
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) June 10, 2020
Fans not supporting players that kneel:
On fans who don't support players kneeling and how they're handling that, Rivera reiterated that he reread the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and the Oath of Office. And again, a player peacefully protesting is well within those enumerated rights. #HTTR
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) June 10, 2020
Leading the organization:
Rivera said he has to get used to the idea of speaking for the organization - something he didn’t do in Carolina - he led a meeting of over 200 employees on Monday to help the team come up with the organization’s response
— Les Carpenter (@Lescarpenter) June 10, 2020
During this time, Rivera said he has reached out to dozens of people, including several sports psychologists, some people in the clergy, activist Tony Porter and several current and former police officers, including his oldest brother. #Redskins
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) June 10, 2020
Educating himself:
Rivera said when everything started two weeks ago, that he didn't want to come across as insincere. He knows what it feels like as a minority, but he also doesn't know what it feels to be Black specifically. So he educated himself, and making actionable change is big to him #HTTR
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) June 10, 2020
Rivera said when the protest started up to weeks ago, he wanted to talk to some black players to make sure he put everything in perspective and they could have a plan of action together. He wanted to make sure he was where he needed to be.
— Lake Lewis Jr (@LakeLewis) June 10, 2020
Dwayne Haskins Jr.:
Redskins coach Ron Rivera with some very high praise of Dwayne Haskins and his offseason work during today's press conference. pic.twitter.com/gwbsegKpv4
— michael phillips (@michaelpRTD) June 10, 2020
Rivera on Dwayne Haskins: "He's really taken what he and I talked about to heart." Rivera wanted Haskins to take a step forward and become a leader this offseason.
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) June 10, 2020
Rivera challenged Haskins to take more of a leadership role and he's proud of him for how he's handled this offseason so far, with all going on. "I'm excited to actually see him in person."
— George Wallace (@GWallaceWTOP) June 10, 2020
Rivera said Dwayne Haskins is "really taking what they talked about to heart." Rivera wanted to see more leadership from Haskins, and he's been pleased with what he's shown over the past few months. Said the two even had a phone call last night to go over how things are going.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) June 10, 2020
Player’s meetings:
Rivera said the attendance during Zoom meetings has been really good and that the players are understanding what it will take to fulfill his vision for the #Redskins.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) June 10, 2020
Rivera said he can tell players are grasping all the information the coaches are giving them during virtual meetings. The key will be conditioning, which he said they will put players through once they get back. #Redskins
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) June 10, 2020
Ron Rivera says the virtual period has gone on a lot longer that the coaches hoped. They're hoping to get with players soon but theyre making the most out of Zoom opportunities
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) June 10, 2020
Rivera gave kudos to the coordinators to finding creative ways to get the point across during the virtual offseason program. Said the coaches have used PowerPoints and a Q&A app to test their respective players. #Redskins
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) June 10, 2020
Listen:
Asked about being a minority coach, Ron Rivera gives this answer about making sure to listen that shows why everybody who has ever played for him loves him. pic.twitter.com/5t8bYLD3Vi
— michael phillips (@michaelpRTD) June 10, 2020
Rivera said one the biggest thing is all non-black players listening to the black players so you can have empathy. He knows they can't understand it from a lived experiences, but they can listen and understand what their black teammates have gone through. #HTTR
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) June 10, 2020
Ron Rivera emphasized all the Redskins non-Black players need to be listening to what's being said. He wants those players to understand what their teammates are going through.
— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) June 10, 2020
"For everybody to come together, I think that change can be made."
Competition:
Rivera says left tackle and left guard are wide open competitions. Same thing with tight end. Says Ryan Anderson is a player they need to "find a home for" too
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) June 10, 2020
Left tackle, left guard, tight end and linebackers are the group Rivera says have been the hardest to gauge without physical practices. It's hard to know where they are in their development through Zoom calls #HTTR
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) June 10, 2020
Rivera lists left tackle and guard as positions that still have questions. He wants to see how the competition between Wes Schweitzer and Wes Martin pans out.
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) June 10, 2020
Rivera said left tackle is a wide open competition, left guard as well. He says he's really looking forward to seeing his running backs on the field and the QB competition.
— George Wallace (@GWallaceWTOP) June 10, 2020
Quarterback:
"I'm really excited about the quarterback position." Ron Rivera he also mentioned they need to see where Alex Smith is. #HTTR
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) June 10, 2020
Ryan Anderson:
Ryan Anderson is someone that Ron and JDR keep bringing up as someone they need to find a position for. While that doesn't sound promising necessarily, I think the fact they continue to mention him is a plus for him
— Pete Hailey (@PeteHaileyNBCS) June 10, 2020
Rivera said the Redskins need to "find a home" for Ryan Anderson. Is he a defensive end or strong-side linebacker? Not sure which yet.
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) June 10, 2020
Ron Rivera says the team needs to find a spot for Ryan Anderson. To me, he's a strong side linebacker on 1st & 2nd down and then helps as a pass rusher in spots on 3rd down
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) June 10, 2020
Derrius Guice:
Rivera said that he looked outside his office and saw Derrius Guice outside working on his rehab. He's looking forward to seeing where he is, as well as, Adrian Peterson "looking young as ever." #HTTR
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) June 10, 2020
Returning to Redskins HQ:
Rivera said he has gotten a lot more done since he’s returned to the facility. It’s given him the chance to dive into everything that needs to get finished for the rest of the offseason. #Redskins
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) June 10, 2020
Ron Rivera's back in his office. Said one advantage is that when he's done with meetings, he doesn't have to help around the house. Solid line from coach pic.twitter.com/fUsiCxdMhW
— Pete Hailey (@PeteHaileyNBCS) June 10, 2020
No fans in stadiums?:
“There is something about having fans,” Rivera said. He said it will definitely be weird if there are no fans this season. #Redskins
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) June 10, 2020
Antonio Brown:
"If you bring in a veteran player, you're going to stunt the growth of someone young." Ron Rivera says when asked about Antonio Brown possibly being brought to DC. Coaches want to see what they have at each position before bringing in some vets. That's the hard part of this #HTTR
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) June 10, 2020
Ron Rivera says the Redskins need to look at the young players on the roster before looking to add veterans to the roster. Specifically about Antonio Brown, Rivera said he wants to see what the Redskins have at WR first before any decisions get made.
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) June 10, 2020
Ron Rivera didn't say yes or no when asked about possibly signing Antonio Brown, who recently worked out with Dwayne Haskins. Rivera emphasized he wants to evaluate his young receivers in person. He also added: "I know who Antonio Brown is, and he's a great player."
— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) June 10, 2020
Rivera said that before potentially signing more veterans, the #Redskins need to see what they have in their younger players. Mentioned wide receivers, left tackle and even at quarterback. The process has been delayed because they have not been able to practice.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) June 10, 2020