UT-Austin football players say they were forced to stay on field for "The Eyes of Texas" to appease

[TexasTowelie]

UT-Austin football players say they were forced to stay on field for “The Eyes of Texas” to appease angry donors and fans

by Kate McGee, Texas Tribune


University of Texas athletic officials in October told Longhorn football players they had to remain on the field postgame for “The Eyes of Texas” singalong with fans because donors were upset by athletes protesting the game day tradition, two Longhorn football players told The Texas Tribune.

Previously, some student athletes had chosen not to participate after multiple games, as the song had become a flashpoint over the summer — especially for Black student athletes — given the alma mater song’s historical ties to campus minstrel shows.

The football players said athletics officials, in a meeting with the players after the Oklahoma game, referenced emails from donors who said the protests could impact their job prospects after graduating. At least one other player, former defensive back Caden Sterns, made a similar claim in a tweet on Monday but declined to be interviewed.

“They said y'all don't have to sing it. But y’all have to stay on the field. Y’all have to go over there and at least show fans appreciation for coming out and watching you guys play,” said junior linebacker DeMarvion Overshown in a Tuesday phone interview.

Read more: https://www.texastribune.org/2021/03/03/ut-austin-eyes-of-texas-donors/

[ret5hd]

1. Why don't those angry donors volunteer...

to go stand on the field?