Report: Miami Dolphins Owner Stephen Ross Pledges $13M to Fight Systemic Racism

By Jonathan Sherman
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Updated: June 26, 2020

The sports world has rallied around the continuing movement to end police brutality and institutional racism in the United States.

While the NFL has kept quiet in the past, that has not been the case recently as everyone from Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has spoken out.

Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross is the latest NFL figure to step up for the cause as he recently announced that he would be donating $13 million over the next four years to RISE, the non-profit foundation he started back in 2015, to fight systemic racism.

“Growing up in Detroit, I saw firsthand what racism did to tear apart our community, destroy lives and further inequality,” Ross said in a statement. “I started RISE based on the belief that our nation must address the scourge of racism directly to achieve true unity. Now more than ever, our mission and the need for this work is clear.”

In all, the $13 million commitment increases RISE’s funding to $30 million.

“During this time of national unrest, many individuals have stepped up to being part of the solution. Stephen continues to dedicate his time, resources and vision, as he has for decades, in an unwavering commitment to ending racism in partnership with the leadership, heart and influence of athletes globally,” NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent said. “Stephen’s words are backed by his actions demonstrated by his body of work to advance equality, respect and understanding as a leader in the national dialogue on race and social justice.”

While Ross came under fire in August 2019 for hosting a fundraiser for President Donald Trump, it looks like the two men certainly don’t see eye to eye on the current protests that have taken place throughout the United States.

Surely, this incredible donation will do a lot of good in the years to come.