Mets’ Pete Alonso: ‘I will not remain silent’ on racial injustice

New York Mets' Pete Alonso points to fans after hitting his 40th home run of the season during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Aug. 18, 2019. The Mets defeated the Royals 11-5. (Orlin Wagner/AP)

New York Mets star Pete Alonso is the latest high-profile athlete to speak out against racial injustice in the wake of the death of George Floyd.

“For the past couple of days, I’ve struggled to wrap my mind around what’s happening,” Alonso posted on Instagram. “I have a voice and I will not remain silent. My heart has been broken over the murder of George Floyd.

“I will never know what it feels like to be discriminated against because the colour of my skin. To anyone who faces this type of discrimination, I will fight for you and be an ally. I will always stand with you. There needs to be justice and change made for the better of humanity. Let words be our sword and unity be our armour. Take care of each other,” he wrote.

The 25-year-old Alonso was the NL Rookie of the Year last season. The first baseman led the majors with 53 home runs, a record for rookies.

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