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Denzel Washington has message for baseball players that is transferable to police officers

'Never take your gift for granted, it can be taken from you in a second…'

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington speaks to members of the Los Angeles Dodgers on Jackie Robinson Day last week. (Los Angeles Dodgers - YouTube)

April 23, 2022
Jim McNeffbyJim McNeff
Share and speak up for justice, law & order...

Denzel Washington — a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees — had a message on leadership that he shared in the Los Angeles Dodgers clubhouse on Jackie Robinson Day last week. The uplifting exhortation occurred as MLB celebrated the 75th anniversary of the baseball legend breaking the color barrier.

Although Washington was communicating with baseball players, the substance of his message is transferable to all leaders, especially those in law enforcement since he was discussing core principles.

A few excerpts from his speech that are relevant to police officers (even though he was talking to baseball players) include the following:

“Those kids watch every move you make…”

“It didn’t matter what color you were…”

“I just pray that you understand the power and authority that you all have, the influence that you have…”

“Never take your gift for granted, it can be taken from you in a second…”

“You guys touch 100-year-olds, you guys touch 5-year olds…”

“Use your gift for goodness sake, for God’s sake…”

Following his speech, Washington took time to pose for pictures with the players as well participating in ongoing conversations. During this time, Dodger third baseman Justin Turner was identified as one of the team leaders.

Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington speaks to Justin Turner about leadership as others look on. (Los Angeles Dodgers – YouTube)

Washington approached Turner and had a personal conversation about leadership.

“A leader, like a shepherd, sends the fast nimble sheep out in front, so that the rest will follow,” Washington told Turner. “Now I realize they’re all being led from behind. But sometimes you gotta be out front, and sometimes you gotta make sure (speaking as he’s back up), as you probably already do, that everybody gets home.”

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Share and speak up for justice, law & order...
Tags: Denzel WashingtonJustin TurnerLeadershipleadership principlesLos Angeles Dodgersmust-read
Jim McNeff

Jim McNeff

Jim McNeff is the managing editor of Law Officer. As a Medal of Valor recipient with more than 30 years of experience in law enforcement and the military, Jim brings experience, insight, and a keen perspective to the issues affecting law enforcement. For nearly a decade, Jim has also served the law enforcement community as a writer and editor following the latest news, facts, and figures concerning law enforcement seven days a week, and 365 days a year. Jim is a retired police lieutenant and served a municipal police department for 28 years. Previously, Jim was a crewmember of the National Emergency Airborne Command Post—a presidential support detail. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from Southwest University, and is a graduate of the esteemed Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute and the Leadership in Police Organizations IACP course of study. Jim is also the author of three police-related books: The Spirit Behind Badge 145, Justice Revealed, and Jurisdiction.

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