[81alum]

[quote author=81alum link=topic=13558.msg140372#msg140372 date=1447006459]

http://www.wyohistory.org/essays/black-1...g-football

The Black 14 of Wyoming have a completely different story.  According to the article, they wanted to join the protest against BYU and went to talk to their coach about it.  They wore black armbands to the meeting, which was a symbol of support for the protest.  Rather than have a rational discussion with his players about whether and how they might participate in the protest, he summarily dismissed them from team, citing their violation of team rules that prohibited their involvement in protests and demonstrations.  They wanted to play against BYU and were willing to play without the armbands.  They were denied that opportunity.  They gave the University no ultimatum.  The rash decision by the Wyoming coach led to severe damage to the football program and the University.

The Missouri players are holding their University hostage in an attempt to get the President fired.  I have yet to hear anyone articulate a specific action or inaction by the President that has caused or exacerbated the racial tensions at the school.  Nonetheless, these players are willing to hurt their non-black teammates, the coaches, staff, and the entire University in an effort to remove the President. 

I hope these players continue to work towards racial tolerance and equality at the University of Missouri.  I also hope that they do so while playing football.  I'm afraid that they are being influenced by activists who have a lot less to lose than these players.  It would be sad if Missouri football follows the path of the Wyoming program.
[/quote]
I'd have to invest a considerable amount of time in reading about the University of Missouri situation before I would know whether I think the players are or are not justified.  But each one of those players knows full well that he is risking his scholarship and possibly his future by doing what he is doing.  And yet they are willing to take the risk.  Regardless of whether we agree with their decision to strike, it is a courageous thing for them to do, and I respect them for it.  In a time when talk is cheap, these very young people are putting their careers on the line for something they believe. 

[81alum]

[quote author=81alum link=topic=13558.msg140372#msg140372 date=1447006459]

http://www.wyohistory.org/essays/black-1...g-football

The Black 14 of Wyoming have a completely different story.  According to the article, they wanted to join the protest against BYU and went to talk to their coach about it.  They wore black armbands to the meeting, which was a symbol of support for the protest.  Rather than have a rational discussion with his players about whether and how they might participate in the protest, he summarily dismissed them from team, citing their violation of team rules that prohibited their involvement in protests and demonstrations.  They wanted to play against BYU and were willing to play without the armbands.  They were denied that opportunity.  They gave the University no ultimatum.  The rash decision by the Wyoming coach led to severe damage to the football program and the University.

The Missouri players are holding their University hostage in an attempt to get the President fired.  I have yet to hear anyone articulate a specific action or inaction by the President that has caused or exacerbated the racial tensions at the school.  Nonetheless, these players are willing to hurt their non-black teammates, the coaches, staff, and the entire University in an effort to remove the President. 

I hope these players continue to work towards racial tolerance and equality at the University of Missouri.  I also hope that they do so while playing football.  I'm afraid that they are being influenced by activists who have a lot less to lose than these players.  It would be sad if Missouri football follows the path of the Wyoming program.
[/quote]
I'd have to invest a considerable amount of time in reading about the University of Missouri situation before I would know whether I think the players are or are not justified.  But each one of those players knows full well that he is risking his scholarship and possibly his future by doing what he is doing.  And yet they are willing to take the risk.  Regardless of whether we agree with their decision to strike, it is a courageous thing for them to do, and I respect them for it.  In a time when talk is cheap, these very young people are putting their careers on the line for something they believe.