Syracuse, N.Y. -- Syracuse football coach Dino Babers, who's been noticeably quiet, finally broke his silence on the racial tensions gripping this country since the unlawful death of George Floyd May 25, releasing a lengthy statement on Twitter Wednesday morning.

In the statement, Babers apologizes to the Orange Empire for the delay in adding his powerful voice to the fray, saying he needed time to pray and process.  He also talks about living through the Civil Rights Movement and being alive when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated.

"I was alive when black men and women were forced to use separate water fountains, separate restrooms, and could not eat in certain restaurants," Babers wrote.  "What is a history book to others, and news to some now, is the life I've been living.  Now is the time to put a light on it."

The 59-year old says he learned what he calls the rules of engagement as a youngster growing up in southern California:  where he could ride his bike, to be home before the street lights came on, and when confronted by law enforcement to keep both hands where they could be seen, and to not make any sudden moves.

Babers also calls on the Orange Empire to come together to effect change.

"The Orange family has shown me the power of coming together.  Amidst the trauma and conflict, unity holds great power for change.  It takes people from all walks of life to see true change.  Our words must be put into action this time."

Babers will address the media for the first time Thursday morning at 9:00 a.m.