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Ian Desmond describes racist encounters in heartfelt Instagram post

Joe Mahoney / Getty Images Sport / Getty

As protests against systemic racism and police brutality continue throughout the United States and beyond in the wake of George Floyd's killing, Colorado Rockies outfielder Ian Desmond shared his own experiences with racism in a series of written messages posted on his Instagram account.

The 11-year MLB veteran recounted being pulled over and receiving unfair treatment at the hands of police officers, as well as being stereotyped based on his home and wealth.

Desmond, who is biracial, wrote about the difficulties he faced growing up.

"Half black half white, but never really enough of either. I was 'Oreo' in high school. Kids on my team who chant 'white power' before every game."

He added that racism has caused familial problems, writing that he's never met his uncles because they don't approve of his mother's relationship with a black man.

The 34-year-old wrote that he tries to stay positive but admitted it's not healthy to "suppress" negative emotions.

He finished with a blunt message for those who won't say the phrase, "Black Lives Matter."

"To me, that's you saying my life doesn't matter," he wrote. "That's what I hear and I can't change that."

The Rockies showed their support for Desmond on Wednesday afternoon by tweeting a video compilation of all of his messages.

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