Photo via AP
Just stick to sports.
That is the what players are told when they speak about racism. Mainly, that is what is said by people who just do not want to hear African-Americans speak about the topic. Basically, shut-up and dribble. Catch the ball and go home. That statement tells African-Americans their only value in life is for entertainment purposes. Outside of that, nobody cares about you, the issues within your community, or racism.
College sports is one place where voices of African-American players are not always heard. The university controls which athletes speak to the media. Those players are coached up by the sports information department before every interview. Players are literally read talking points to make sure they express the university message. Some of the coaching is to protect players, but it really is about guarding the university. When it comes to topics about racism, coaches and athletic directors are typically afraid of losing boosters if their African-American players say too much. Sad, huh?
However, the Longhorns are not sticking to sports.
“My skin is black,” Texas defensive back Chris Brown said. “Once I take that logo off my chest, I'm pretty much what everybody else means to police and everybody else who doesn't have good intentions in their mind or heart. I've just become 'one of those people.'
“When I’m here at UT and have the logo across my chest [he feels safe]. I use UT to my advantage. I use it as my shield. My weapon to say, hey, don’t shoot me. Don’t kill me. You watch my games on Saturday.”
Stick to sports?
The murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin sparked a worldwide movement. Before Floyd, Amy Cooper called the police and lied about Christian Cooper threatening her in Central Park. Ahmaud Arbery was hunted down and killed by Gregory McMichael and Travis McMichael in Georgia. Breonna Taylor was killed by the Louisville Police Department after cops executed a warrant at the wrong address.
Floyd’s death was so intentional and gruesome, nobody could ignore it.
One reason Longhorn football players could not ignore it is because of Covid-19. Players are not on campus, which means many are back home with not much to do after online classes and work outs. They do not have football practice as a distraction. There are no parties to attend. Players cannot head down to 6th Street and block out the world. They have been forced to face reality.
And they are tired of seeing the same stories.
“That can be me. That can be one of my teammates. That can be my brother,” Brown said. “It could be anybody, and it's scary. Honestly, it's scary.”
Stick to sports?
Those sentiments led to a few things this past week.
Longhorn players and coaches had a three-and-a-half hour Zoom meeting on Monday. Coaches allowed players to express their point of view on various racial topics. I was told coaches believed it was more important to listen than talk. The call was emotional. Some players expressed anger. Others were sad. They needed to get some things off their chest, and it occurred on Monday. There was another meeting on Wednesday, and players had the floor.
Players also began expressing their views on social media. Some players posted videos. Others shared quotes. Longhorn players participated in Blackout Tuesday. Receiver Brennan Eagles talked about quitting football.
Nobody told them to stop.
My sources informed me Texas football coach Tom Herman has no issues with players sharing their thoughts outside of the UT umbrella. Many coaches retweeted the thoughts expressed by their players. The Longhorns are not hiding behind a scripted team video designed for good PR. In fact, I was told nobody in the building was bothered by Eagles’ tweet. Staff members believe it is important for players to share their views.
In addition, players expressed their desire to march from the stadium to the capitol. Players wanted to do something, and marching was a way for them to come together for a common cause.
In case you missed the War Room, here is what I wrote:
“One of the first steps from the staff was to contact the Austin Police Department and ask for help. Herman and his staff wanted their players to march with a police escort to avoid any problems from outsiders. They chose to march during daylight hours to make the situation safer for players.
“In addition, the staff requested members of APD to participate in this march and interact with Longhorn players on Thursday. The thought process behind it was there are players on the team who have never been able to ask police officers questions and learn more about their job. Some have only interacted with police officers during a negative encounter – speeding ticket or otherwise – and not in a comfortable setting. Everyone hoped this situation could break down some walls between African-Americans and police officers.”
By the way, white players are speaking out, too.
Texas senior quarterback Sam Ehlinger released a video to support his African-American teammates. He was also one of the many white players who participated in Thursday’s march.
“I grew up in Westlake, and it was a predominantly white neighborhood,” Ehlinger said. “I had a really good friend in high school who was African-American, so I learned from an early age that there is no difference. People shouldn't be treated differently because of the color of their skin. With that being said, why would I take a backseat when there is injustice and there's things that are going on that isn't fair and isn't right? I love everybody on this team, and I'm going to do anything they ask me to do. Anything to help them.”
The players are having private conversations about their next moves. A lot of ideas are being tossed around. Many are leaning on Dr. Leonard Moore, Vice President for Diversity and Community Engagement at Texas, for advice. Moore is very influential among African-American athletes behind-the-scenes.
I do not know the next move.
However, players are determined to have their voices heard.
“I’ll only be a part of this brand for so long, but I’ll be a black man forever,” Texas safety Caden Sterns said.
Stick to sports?
Longhorn players are not going to do it.
Funniest Things You Will See This Week
Wait for it, wait for it, wait for it (bad language alert)
Pastor Jim is not the guy you want to mess with (offering time has to be interesting)
The moment everyone decided not to shake Dave’s hands anymore (bad language alert)
Sports On A Dime
1. Here is something that occurred behind-the-scenes worth noting. According to my sources, a major network invited Herman to appear on a show earlier this week, and his viewpoint as a coach of a predominately African-American team was going to be addressed. After a recent interview with the Austin American-Statesman, and an appearance on Colin Cowherd’s show, I was told Herman believed he was getting too much attention, and wanted the focus on his African-American players. Apparently, Herman told the network he wanted a player to appear with him. When the network declined his request, Herman informed that network he would not go on. I give him credit for putting his players first.
2. The march to the capitol on Thursday was great moment for the Longhorn football team. If they want to turn a moment until a movement, I hope every player will register to vote. Everybody focuses on the presidential election, but voting for sheriffs, judges, and attorneys is arguably more important. I am sure there several “next steps.” I hope voting is high on that list.
3. The unity of Longhorn players reminds special teams coordinator Jay Boulware of the positive results after a racial incident at Oklahoma. In 2015, members of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity chanted a racial slur and indicated blacks would never be admitted to the fraternity. The chant also referenced lynching. Oklahoma players decided to protest and not attend practice, a move supported by former coach Bob Stoops. According to my sources, Boulware told staff members that the moment created a bond within the team. Oklahoma finished 11-2 that season, and it was the first of five-straight conference championships for the Sooners. Boulware is optimistic the same bond growing within the Longhorns will lead to similar success.
4. This press release was buried because it occurred a few hours after players marched to the capitol. It is time to give Joseph Ossai the spotlight he deserves:
“Texas Football junior JACK Joseph Ossai was named to the preseason watch list for the 17th annual Lott IMPACT Trophy on Thursday. Named after Pro Football Hall of Fame member Ronnie Lott, the Lott IMPACT Trophy is awarded to college football’s Defensive IMPACT Player of the Year. IMPACT stands for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.
“Ossai, a native of Conroe, Texas, started all 13 games in 2019 and led the Longhorns with 90 total tackles (62 solo), 13.5 tackles for loss, nine quarterback hurries and five sacks. He also logged two interceptions, one pass breakup, one forced fumble and one blocked kick. Ossai registered at least eight tackles on eight occasions in 2019, the second-most by a Longhorn over the last 20 seasons (9 - Emmanuel Acho, 2011).”
5. Anybody who does not think Ehlinger is the top five quarterback entering this season needs to reevaluate their football IQ. I do not expect Ehlinger to compete for a Heisman, but after Justin Fields and Trevor Lawrence, he is arguably the nation’s third-best passer.
6. Since they are student-athletes, let us celebrate their recent academic achievements:
7. It is just a matter of time before Greg Brown III is on campus:
8. Kansas wasted a lot of time and money by screwing with former football coach David Beaty. Instead of cutting Beaty a check for $3 million, Kansas tried to ruin the guy by turning him in to the NCAA for the silliest violation. Not only will Kansas write a check for $2.55 million, but I can only imagine what those attorney’s fees looked like. Dallas attorney Michael Lyons beat down Kansas. Now, Beaty just needs to get his NCAA issue cleared up to get back into football.
9. Props to MJ
10. RIP to the greatest. This message is true today:
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