Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid released a statement Wednesday condemning racism and vowing to educate himself and initiate societal change in the wake of George Floyd's death in police custody.

"Like everyone else, I watched the horror of George Floyd's murder and felt helpless and sick to my stomach," McDavid said. "And as I have watched the many protests against racism and social injustice that have been taking place around the world, I realize that I need to do more to educate myself ... that I need to learn more about the history of racism in our countries and to listen to the voices and the perspectives of the black community and other racial minorities to try and understand how I can help to affect positive change going forward.

"As a young white male and pro athlete, I recognize that we live a very privileged life. I believe that the time is now for all of us to get out of our comfort zones, to not sit idly on the sidelines, and to be part of the solution to ensure we end racism in our society."

Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died in Minneapolis on May 25 after Derek Chauvin, a white police officer, kneeled on his neck for more than eight minutes while Floyd was handcuffed on the ground.

McDavid is the latest NHL star to speak out against racial injustice amid nationwide protests over the killing of Floyd. Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby also released a statement Wednesday, saying what happened to Floyd "cannot be ignored."

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