Patriots Retweet NFL Players’ Black Lives Matter Video, Immediately Get Reminded Of Their Accidental Most Racist Tweet Ever

Black Lives Matter. https://t.co/CHxsFdBTDF

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) June 5, 2020

The video above from NFL players was everywhere yesterday as they advocated for the NFL to support their athletes in their ongoing battle against police brutality and systemic racism. The Patriots reposted it from their star corner Stephon Gilmore. Robert Kraft and the team donated $1 million just today in the fight as well:

The Kraft family announced that it has pledged $1 million “to local grassroots organizations — chosen in collaboration with Patriots players — that are fighting for equity, working to end systemic racism and creating meaningful change in our community.”

“Change always begins with listening and learning,” the announcement said. “These organizations will be invited to speak to our executive staff and senior management across the Kraft Group businesses so we can learn about their work and continue to grow in knowledge and awareness, especially among those in leadership positions.”

These are all good things! Especially in a week where Eric Reid, as well as other players, called out the NFL for the performative support on #BlackoutTuesday after teams largely blackballed Colin Kaepernick.

But history reared its ugly head once again in the form of an autotweet that went out from the @Patriots handle five years ago to celebrate the team’s 1 millionth follower:

Does a veryyyyy ill-advised tweet reflect the character of the team? I’d say no. Is it a reminder of the spectrum of subtle to incredibly overt and cartoonish racism that occurs day to day on social media?

The Patriots seem to have come a long way in five years but the receipts remain.

And I think we could argue that particular user did not deserve the No. 1 jersey. Maybe No. 55.

Check us out on TWITTER, where we talk sports, share articles, and have lots of giveaways!