Oct 16 (Reuters) - Stephen Ross, owner of the NFL's Miami Dolphins, launched a nonprofit organization on Friday aimed at combating racism by using sports to promote "understanding, respect and equality."
The Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE) has the backing of the country's major sports leagues and broadcasters.
In 2013, the locker room of Ross's Dolphins was seen as a flashpoint of intolerance when offensive lineman Jonathan Martin abruptly left the team in the middle of the season, saying he was the victim of racial slurs and bullying.
"The sports community is uniquely positioned and empowered to help drive national discussion and action to unite our country, promote understanding, respect and equality and advance race relations now and for the next generation," said Ross.