Coaches and athletic directors from colleges and universities across the country are offering words of solace as their communities deal with the fallout from the killing of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin.
Most statements, many made public on social media, acknowledged the hurt and anger being expressed at nationwide protests over the aggressive tactics employed by police in the United States.
Penn State athletic director Sandy Barbour said in a statement that she was "angry" and "hurt" and "full of compassion for those who live in fear."
We Are ... ONETEAM pic.twitter.com/trEB4tVCB7
— Sandy Barbour (@SandyB_PSUAD) May 31, 2020
“We must create and maintain in our communities an environment that is accepting, dare I say welcoming, of all the differences that make up our diverse and wonderful campuses,” Barbour said.
University of Missouri men's head basketball coach Cuonzo Martin said in a post on Twitter "enough is enough," adding that "while I'm on this earth, my voice won't be silent until the injustice stops."
— Cuonzo Martin (@CuonzoMartin) May 31, 2020
"It goes beyond a post on social media. It's time to join together in our pain, to mourn, to stand united against oppression and ACT to create change. We must live and lead with compassion for one another."
University of Kansas men's basketball head coach Bill Self condemned racism, saying Floyd's death was "avoidable."
“It is incomprehensible that this level of racism still occurs in this day and age, and it’s unacceptable,” Self said. “Anyone possessing basic human kindness must support each other and stand up for those that have been oppressed for far too long. No one should have to worry that they will be treated differently, or worse yet fear for their lives on a daily basis, simply because (of) the color of their skin or where they are from."
Athletic Business gathered a collection of statements from various sources. They can be viewed below:
University of Tennessee, athletic director Phillip Fullmer
University of Wisconsin, athletic director Barry Alvarez
Rutgers University, athletic director Pat Hobbs
Mississippi State, athletic director John Cohen
University of Alabama, head football coach Nick Saban, athletic director Greg Byrne
University of North Texas, head football coach Seth Littrell, athletic director Wren Baker
Texas Tech, athletic director Kirby Hocutt
Georgia Tech, head football coach Geoff Collins
