Former Miami Dolphins wide receiver Kenny Stills dismissed Dolphins owner Stephen Ross’ $13 million donation to Ross’ non-profit foundation set up to fight racism as a “tax write-off.”
Donation to his non profit = Tax write off https://t.co/mUk6Uc9J6n
— Kenny Stills (@KSTiLLS) June 27, 2020
The Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE) was set up in 2015 to not only address the problem of systemic racism, but also promote the concept of unity.
Ross’ $13 million donation came in the wake of racial strife over the past few months, which has included rioting and violence because of the deaths of African-Americans from police brutality.
Stills’ dim view of the gesture continues the feud that erupted last August after Ross held a fundraiser for President Donald Trump. The criticism that followed from Stills eventually led to him being traded along with Laremy Tunsil to the Houston Texans.
Among the reasons that Stills had objected to Ross’ support of Trump was the latter’s stiff criticism of NFL players kneeling during the national anthem to protest police brutality.
The first key part of the deal involving Stills with the Texans came in April, when the Dolphins drafted cornerback Noah Igbinoghene with the last of their three first-round draft picks.
Given the fact that Stills no longer plays for the Dolphins, it seems unlikely that Ross will end up addressing the jab. The opinion of any Dolphins players or coaches also seems unlikely, considering that they are more focused on simply getting back on the field and preparing for the 2020 season.
