With everything going on in the world today, yes I said world, it really puts life into perspective and makes sports an afterthought. Just a few days ago, most Louisvillians were excited about college athletes slowly returning to campus. Today, most people don’t even realize that astronauts were launched into space today.
The protests in Atlanta, California, Chicago, Minnesota, London, Belgium and right here in Louisville have sparked many people to ask the question; where are our pro athletes, head coaches, student-athletes, athletic directors, academic advisors and presidents? What are their thoughts, what do they have to say about the current protests, looting, and rioting?
If you are a fan of the University of Louisville: your president, football coaches, athletic director, and now women’s basketball head coach and team captains spoke out.
The deaths of African Americans that have sparked the protests both non-violent and violent is now at our front door.
Louisville President Neeli Benapudi tweeted:
https://twitter.com/uoflpresneeli/status/1266432670269145088?s=21
https://twitter.com/uoflpresneeli/status/1266432672190128133?s=21
Louisville Men’s Basketball Head Coach Chris Mack:
🤜🏻🤛🏾 pic.twitter.com/vkwRCJ6Uzr
— Chris Mack (@CoachChrisMack) May 31, 2020
Louisville Football Head Coach Scott Satterfield:
— Coach Satterfield (@CoachSattUC) May 30, 2020
Louisville Football Offensive Coordinator and Offensive Line Coach Dwayne Ledford:
#CoachesStandforJustice pic.twitter.com/zD38gJZAKx
— Dwayne Ledford (@Coach_Ledford) May 31, 2020
Louisville Football Safeties Coach ShaDon Brown:
We must come together with city leaders to create change in communities across the US. Dialogue can create change for a better future. Remember we’re all gods children no matter the color of our skin. #BlackLivesMatter
— ShaDon Brown (@Backendcoach12) May 29, 2020
Louisville Football QB Evan Conley:
https://twitter.com/econ11_/status/1266390944062099464?s=21
Louisville Women’s Basketball Coach Jeff Walz:
Our captains, Dana and Kianna, and I wanted to release the following statement on behalf of our team:
— @coachjeffwalz (@CoachJeffWalz) May 31, 2020
We will be getting back to campus soon, and we are committed to working together to better our Louisville community with empathy, compassion, and respect for all people. We plan to make a difference through our actions. @UofLWBB will be part of the solution. #ONE
— @coachjeffwalz (@CoachJeffWalz) May 31, 2020
Louisville Women’s Basketball G Kianna Smith on Coach Walz:
As a Black athlete playing for a white Coach, I’m thankful that even though Coach Walz may not understand the injustices we face systematically but he cares! I challenge other coaches & programs to use their platforms to make a difference because we are more than athletes #BLM https://t.co/ybv4uR1Qzq
— kianna smith (@_naannna) May 31, 2020
In the city of Louisville, many divide us whether it be college and pro affiliation or ….. and even race, but the one thing we can all agree on is Louisville is home. Let’s continue to protect our home.
