Calls for Black Athletes to Boycott SEC schools

[ThoughtCriminal]

in states that are gerrymandering to eliminate black Congressional representation. I have not seen any media attention (surprise surprise) to this yet, but it's out there.

As a life-long fan and alumni of Auburn University, I would still support this.

Several years ago, I remember a family member noticing that Ole' Miss was suddenly becoming very competitive in the conference and wondered what had happened. I told him: It's simple, they stopped playing Dixie and waving Confederate flags at the games - did wonders for recruitment when that happened.

[malaise]

1. Great idea

Rec

[rurallib]

2. something even Repugs could understand

[FHRRK1]

3. At least 30 years too late

But needs to be done.

I understand local kids not leaving the state.

But a ton of CA kids head to SEC schools.

[multigraincracker]

4. In the 60s Duffy Daurgherty of MSU wasthe first Big Ten coach and major Norther school to recruit Black players from the

South, like Bubba Smith. Also the first one to play a Black quarter back. The rest is history.

[MichMan]

10. 1956 Tangerine Bowl - Hillsdale College

Hillsdale College, yes, that Hillsdale College, one of the first colleges to have an integrated football team, went undefeated 9-0 in 1955 and was given an invite to the prestigious Tangerine Bowl in Orlando. It was going to be the first bowl appearance in school history, so a very significant accomplishment, including a coveted week in Florida in January. They were coached that year by Frank "Muddy" Waters, (who later coached at Michigan State).

The Bowl committee however informed them that they would only be allowed to compete if they left their 4 Black players behind, and after Coach Waters put it up for the team to vote, the team voted unanimously to tell the Tangerine Bowl to stick it. We’re a team, they said. Either we all play or none of us play.

https://enjoyer.com/hillsdale-was-told-to-leave-their-black-players-behind-for-their-first-bowl-game/

[misanthrope]

5. Also an AU alum, but I'm afraid that won't happen

Players are making more money in college football and basketball than they ever have over the previous century -- yeah, the pay wasn't legal but let's not be naive -- and the SEC schools hand it over as abundantly as anyone else. It is hard to tell someone who comes from nothing and might not make it to the NFL to forego a larger payday right now in order to make a political point.

Maybe I'm just cynical but I don't think many of these kids care one whit about ideals. They care about money, first and last, just like their coaches.

[MichMan]

9. Those colleges also play on a national stage and routinely are championship contenders with lots of media exposure

Players who have spent their entire lives hoping to make it to professional sports are not going to eschew attending a top flight college program that is known for developing NFL and NBA talent. The majority are from out of state anyway, and will only reside there temporarily, so not sure the political climate has a big impact on where they go.

[Ilsa]

11. Yeah, four of twelve playoff teams were SEC.

I think the athletes will always try to get into Georgia, Alabama, Texas A&M, Texas (not in playoffs), and Ole Miss (made playoffs). Auburn, and U of Florida frequently have great teams. Other great teams in the South are in other conferences. Telling the SEC "no thanks" and why might help them progress unless their donor base tells them otherwise.

[AZProgressive]

14. Actually 5 but only 1 of them made it to the semifinals

College athletes can always go to the Big Ten and that conference seems a little better than the SEC. There is also the ACC or Big 12. The conferences need the athletes more than the athletes need the conference.

[BeneteauBum]

6. A Gator fan echoes agreement

Peace ☮️

[Sogo]

7. Much bigger statement and influence, IMO, if the NBA and NFL players went on strike.

That would have a national reach and billionaires owners, who have Trump's ear, would be making some noise!!

[WhiskeyGrinder]

8. Who is making these "calls"? Are they doing any organizing or is it just people online going "Black kids should

do the work"?

[druidity33]

12. Why not white athletes? nt.

[msongs]

13. asking younguns to give up personal glory and fame for the good of the nation is too much really nt