Tiger Woods calls George Floyd death a ‘shocking tragedy’

Tiger Woods has labelled the killing of George Floyd a “shocking tragedy” and insists law enforcement “clearly crossed a line”.

Derek Chauvin, a 44-year-old white Minneapolis police officer, was arrested on third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter charges, after mobile phone footage showed him kneeling on Floyd’s neck.

Since the death of the 46-year-old African-American man, protests against police brutality and racism have spread across the world, with prominent figures, including athletes, voicing their opinions.

And Woods maintains through his own experience during the Los Angeles riots in 1992 that education is the best method for change.

“I have always had the utmost respect for our law enforcement. They train so diligently to understand how, when and where to use force,” said the 15-times major champion Woods. “This shocking tragedy clearly crossed that line. I remember the LA riots and learned that education is the best path forward.”

The six days of civil disturbances in Los Angeles in 1992 occurred after four white police officers were acquitted of beating African-American man Rodney King.

But while civil unrest continues across the United States, Woods, 44, has urged people to not protest at the expense of damaging communities.

Woods, who at 21 became the first black golfer to win the Masters in 1997, added: “We can make our points without burning the very neighbourhoods that we live in.

“I hope that through constructive, honest conversations we can build a safer, unified society.”