College football coaches speak out on George Floyd’s death.
From across the country, voices spoke up about the tragic death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer who has been charged with third-degree murder. Protests have erupted from coast-to-coast with people who have had enough of the injustices and police brutality and are demanding action and change.
College football coaches have been looked to as leaders of the community and are often the most visible person in the state in which they coach. In addition, they are fielding their teams with predominantly black student-athletes who have helped them build their careers and cushion their bank accounts.
Being silent is being complicit and several head coaches used their platform to communicate a message. The messages differed from the person but the overarching theme is that this has to end now. Coaches weren’t the only ones speaking out as several players were ahead of their coaches, including Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence who spoke up well ahead of his coach Dabo Swinney, Clemson athletic director and the Clemson president.
College football coaches speak on the death of George Floyd, protests
Alabama football coach Nick Saban:
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) May 31, 2020
Ohio State football coach Ryan Day:
“Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are.”
— Ryan Day (@ryandaytime) May 29, 2020
Oklahoma football coach Lincoln Riley:
I ALWAYS stand with my players and I am thankful that I was raised in a home that taught me that no human, regardless of race, religion,
— Lincoln Riley (@LincolnRiley) May 31, 2020
or any other factor...should ever be treated differently...we have a long ways to go as a society- I am committed to being a part of the change
Georgia football coach Kirby Smart:
Just my thoughts pic.twitter.com/PMUB6y9e7J
— Coach Kirby Smart (@KirbySmartUGA) May 30, 2020
Florida football coach Dan Mullen:
— Dan Mullen (@CoachDanMullen) June 1, 2020
Oregon football coach Mario Cristobal:
I learned a lot from listening to our Leadership Council today. pic.twitter.com/soLEtIPQXF
— Mario Cristobal (@coach_cristobal) May 29, 2020
Penn State football coach James Franklin:
#WeAre pic.twitter.com/u5EFJuOifc
— James Franklin (@coachjfranklin) May 30, 2020
Washington football coach Jimmy Lake:
Virginia football coach Bronco Mendenhall:
My Thoughts: pic.twitter.com/aHGBd30tnk
— Bronco Mendenhall (@CoachBroncoM) May 30, 2020
Texas football coach Tom Herman:
— Coach Tom Herman (@CoachTomHerman) May 30, 2020
Minnesota head coach P.J. Fleck:
— P.J. Fleck (@Coach_Fleck) May 30, 2020
Oklahoma State football coach Mike Gundy:
— Mike Gundy (@CoachGundy) May 31, 2020
Duke football coach David Cutcliffe:
Just a few words and thoughts that life experiences have led me to believe. pic.twitter.com/qCgmZvHkc8
— DAVID CUTCLIFFE (@DavidCutcliffe) May 31, 2020
Michigan State football coach Mel Tucker:
My thoughts on George Floyd's death. 👇🏾🙏🏾 #RelentlessChange pic.twitter.com/YbiFv1ovJZ
— Mel Tucker (@Coach_mtucker) May 30, 2020
Houston football coach Dana Holgorsen:
I’m deeply saddened by the senseless and tragic murder of George Floyd. My thoughts and prayers are with the Floyd family.
— Dana Holgorsen (@Holgorsendana) May 30, 2020
I will lend my voice and stand proudly with those committed to change. #hoUSton
Vanderbilt football coach Derek Mason:
I’m calling on every level of my profession to model leadership in this time of crisis🙏🏾 #RTI #ANCHORDOWN
— Derek Mason (@CoachDerekMason) May 30, 2020
UCLA football coach Chip Kelly:
A message from head coach Chip Kelly: pic.twitter.com/AfiWQ8fvi9
— UCLA Football (@UCLAFootball) June 1, 2020
Washington State football coach Nick Rolovich:
#IChooseGood pic.twitter.com/6AXlg6UFDC
— Nick Rolovich (@NickRolovich) May 31, 2020
Kansas football coach Les Miles:
I’m with you. pic.twitter.com/4Jv2uNtrob
— Les Miles (@CoachLesMiles) May 31, 2020
USC football coach Clay Helton:
— Clay Helton (@GSCoachHelton) May 30, 2020
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