Wild's Dumba: Youth need to be taught to respect others 'no matter of ethnicity'

Minnesota Wild defenseman Matt Dumba released a statement Tuesday supporting the anti-racism movement across North America after George Floyd, a black man from Minneapolis, was killed by a white police officer last week.

"I've been sad, angry, and disturbed by the senseless unjust we have all witnessed this past week. I have been scared for the families in my community. I know I do not want to feel this way ever again; the feeling of helplessness. The feeling too many have to face each day. I am here for you. To lean on, to listen, to embrace, to have a voice and to be a leader in our community!

"We all must be there for each other and never forget about these tragedies. People learn to hate, I hope one day we can drown that hate by teaching our youth how to love and respect one another no matter of ethnicity.

"I'm disappointed I haven't talked sooner on these issues. Yet I know for certain I will not be silent about any racial injustice in our society again. I will actively work toward equity for all, especially my black family and friends who have been neglected for too long. I am anti-racist."

Dumba is a native of Regina, Saskatchewan, but he's spent his entire seven-year career in Minnesota.