KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City Chiefs assistant coaches spoke with the media Thursday morning after several NFL teams canceled practice in protest.
The cancellations came in response to the NBA shocking the world of sports by postponing all playoff games Wednesday, taking a stand against social injustice in the wake of the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
The Super Bowl Champions did practice Thursday morning but said the team is continuing to keep the conversation open in the locker room.
The overwhelming theme from #Chiefs coaching staff today is that HC Andy Reid has continued to open up discussions with players and coaches about social injustice issues...and like a great leader, he listens...according to coaches the team meets on it regularly.
— Hayley Lewis 👑 (@HayleyLewisKSHB) August 27, 2020
Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub praised head coach Andy Reid in his effort to make sure all players feel as if they are heard, saying Reid "sets the table" for those conversations.
#Chiefs Special Teams Coordinator Dave Toub shares his thoughts on NFL teams not practicing today and how the Chiefs are handling current situations...
— Hayley Lewis 👑 (@HayleyLewisKSHB) August 27, 2020
"Our team is close, we talk about everything...Coach Reid is the one who sets the table for that."#ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/NoT5f3EBl0
Chiefs defensive backs coach Sam Madison also commented on Reid's leadership, saying Reid is "very open to understanding" and making sure the organization is doing the right things.
#Chiefs DB's Coach Sam Madison continued to praise Head Coach Andy Reid (as did other coaches today) in his efforts to keep an open conversation in his locker room...
— Hayley Lewis 👑 (@HayleyLewisKSHB) August 27, 2020
"We are very open to understanding and making sure we're doing the right things."#ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/SlqVbsWFl6
The former NFL veteran also added how proud he is to see young men in this generation of football taking a stand and using their voices. When asked what will happen if players choose to kneel this season or protest, Madison responded that no matter what, he believes the team will "be one" and "be together."
#Chiefs DB's Coach Sam Madison on if players choose to protest or kneel...
— Hayley Lewis 👑 (@HayleyLewisKSHB) August 27, 2020
"We're gonna be one, we're gonna be together...you always have your brother's back." #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/iXefH5SGPb
Reid is scheduled to speak with the media next on Saturday, Aug. 29.
