Filling a university arena for slained Washington Redskins star Sean Taylor, thousands flocked to Miami today to mourn and celebrate another Black man falling victim to senseless violence. (Click here to watch funeral). The memorial comes a week after Taylor was shot in his home and days after four Black men were charged with killing the 24-year-old African American baller during the robbery. New reports are indicating that there is also fifth suspect involved.Commissioner Roger Goodell said it had been a “sad week” for the NFL family. “It’s times like this that all of us struggle to find meaning in life,” Goodell told the mourners. “The NFL was proud of Sean Taylor... He loved football and football loved him back. But more importantly, it was what he was as a man and what he was becoming as a man.”
The Rev. Jesse Jackson stood with the athlete’s father, Florida City police Chief Pedro Taylor, as they arrived earlier. Actor Andy Garcia was also there. His niece, Jackie Garcia, was Taylor’s girlfriend and was in the home when he was shot. Former Hurricanes coaches Larry Coker and Butch Davis sat in the front row, along with current coach Randy Shannon. The Redskins organization filled one section of the building.
As reported by MSNBC, Taylor’s casket was surrounded by bouquets, while the video display showed Taylor from his days with the Redskins, Miami Hurricanes and high school. Remembrances began Sunday, as throngs of fans paid respects at a wake at Second Baptist Church and at a vigil at the University of Miami.