Springfield native and Dolphins defensive lineman Christian Wilkins took to Instagram this week to share a personal story about police brutality amid the national protests over the death of George Floyd.
Wilkins’ grandfather, Eurie Stamps Sr., was accidentally shot and killed by a SWAT officer in Framingham in 2011. Wilkins, who just completed his first season in the NFL after winning two national championships at Clemson, voiced his support for the nationwide protests.
In his post, Wilkins said Floyd’s death “stirred up many old feelings of pain and heartache.” Here’s his full post:
“The best thing about me playing the beautiful game of football is it gives me a great platform. With this platform I have always aspired to use my influence to give people hope and to impact this world positively. There does not seem like a more appropriate time than now for me to do just that. At a young age we are taught to measure our steps and watch our W.O.R.D.S. because (W)e (O)ften (R)egret (D)oing and S(aying)...But not today...what I’d regret more is not sharing my story.
In this world people can take your valuables and snatch your loved ones...but the one thing they can’t steal is your joy. What’s happening in our country right now will always be personal for me. In my 24 years of life, I have witnessed immediate family and close friends have negative encounters with law enforcement. It has hurt me to see them go through these experiences. That pain reached an all time high when the man I loved most in the world was taken from my family.
On January 5, 2011, my grandfather Eurie Stamps Sr., was unarmed and shot and killed on the floor in his own home by a Framingham SWAT member. This was said to be a ‘mistake’ as the officer slipped and fired accidentally. When you break down the word MIStake, you get ‘Miss’ and ‘Take’ as they missed the mark and took my granddad. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t think about him.”
George Floyd’s murder took place last week and stirred up many old feelings of pain and heartache. I know the situations are different, but both families got the same result. A loved one gone who can’t come back.
In the midst of chaos I wanted to bring a message about community and optimism. People may ask me how I am able to strive, but the truth is it’s a struggle. I battle daily for success; because I’m doing it for him. There are a million reasons to give up ... but you only need one to get up. For me it’s honoring the memory of my granddad. I carry the pain of my family and other black victims of police brutality. Social injustices like this is why Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream and Colin Kaepernick took a knee.”
Negativity is infectious and positivity is contagious...no matter which one you put out somebody is going to catch it. The country is on fire. Instead of adding fuel to the fire...let that fire fuel you. Rise above and overcome and show the wolrd that our lives matter.
To see change... be change."
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