Richy Werenski Blue Lives Matter wristband causes social media stir
Richy Werenski wore a 'Blue Lives Matter' wristband close to where George Floyd was killed and it has sparked a debate on social media.
Richy Werenski has sparked a social media debate after he wore a 'Blue Lives Matter' wristband during the 3M Open in Minnesota, close to the area where George Floyd was killed in May.
The 3M Open venue, TPC Twin Cities, is located just 20 minutes from where Floyd tragically lost his life at the hands of police officers, which sparked protests throughout the United States and in many other countries all over the world.
The Blue Lives Matter campaign was formed in 2014 and supports both active and retired law enforcement officers and aims to increase protection and cut out discrimination towards the police.
Werenski has been wearing a Blue Lives Matter wristband for four years, with the American having family members who work in law enforcement.
The World No.210 isn't on camera very often, but that all changed at the 3M Open, as Werenski shared the 54-hole lead and was therefore one of the most focused-on players over the weekend and images of the wristband quickly spread across social media.
Some praised Werenski for standing up for what he believes in, no matter the location, whilst others called out the 28-year-old, saying it was disrespectful to wear the wristband so close to where Floyd lost his life.
Check out some of the social media reaction below:
"How tone deaf is Richy Werenski for wearing a Blue Lives Matter wristband in Minnesota?!"
"Cancel Werenski. Never wanted someone to lose so much in my life."
"Well done Richy Werenski for showing his support to the boys in blue."
"We're all fans of good cops, but there's no such thing as a Blue Life. It's just a blue shirt; and one that's taken off daily - unlike Black- and Brown skin."
"Yes Richy Werenski! Blue lives DO matter!"
"The fact that Richy Werenski wore a blue lives matter wristband the day he plays with Tony Finau shows exactly what is wrong with America BLM is not suggesting that all lives don’t matter. It is promoting the fact that people of colour are given less opportunities."
"The police deserve our support, so just because Werenski is in Minnesota, doesn't mean he shouldn't be wearing his wristband!"
"The 3M Open is played 20 minutes away from where George Floyd was killed and this moron thinks he can wear that wristband."