In talking with several of the former athletes involved in the composition of the message, I thought I would pass along some details that might help understand the intentions behind the messages and the overall scope of what's taking place.
First, it's important to note that a group of former Texas athletes, including some pretty historically important names, have been talking among themselves as a group for much of the last few weeks following the situations involving Ahmaud Aubrey and George Floyd. One of the things this group has been talking about is trying to find ways to get involved.
When the current Texas players released their statement on Friday, this group of former athletes decided it was important to announce a show of support behind the current players.
In addition to the shared statement on Tuesday, I've been told that we'll see former Longhorns standing up and expressing their support by sharing their own stories during their time on the 40 Acres, which support the notion that the cause of the current players is a cause they believe strongly in supporting.
Perhaps the million dollar question at this point is where the statement stands with regards to the current player's requests, especially with regards to eliminating the school song and renaming buildings (among other items).
"I don't think there's a clear consensus reached there any more than there was when the players put it out," one former Texas football player involved among the players involved in creating today's show of support.
When asked about the best way to frame the position of the former players, I was told by the same player, "I'd say to frame it as us trying to make it abundantly clear to the current student athletes that we support them."
I reached out to a number of former Longhorns on Tuesday morning to seek added clarification on the implied symbolism behind the show of important. When I asked for Texas receiver Montrell Flowers if the statement meant that he supported the players across the board in all of its requests in the statement that was released on Friday, he didn't flinch in expressing full support.
Note: I'll update this story throughout the day as more information comes in.
