In charged times, new Gamecocks coach supports players sharing their voices
On Saturday, South Carolina cornerback Jaycee Horn tweeted hashtags with the names of black victims of systemic violence: George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor. His teammate Israel Mukuamu retweeted numerous things addressing protests and social upheaval across the country centered on those same issues.
Defensive tackle Rick Sandidge did as well. A follow-up social media post said he didn’t mind the followers he lost for speaking his mind.
These and more players have thoughts about the goings-on in the world, as protests in the aftermath of the death of George Floyd have dominated the news. Gamecocks assistant coach Rod Wilson said he’s taken a role of listening through recent days.
“I let them know that I’m here,” Wilson said. “I understand what they’re dealing with. I mean, it’s obvious. I’m African-American. I’m a black guy. I’m also a former athlete. So I understand what they’re going through. I understand their feelings, but I just want them to be able to talk, talk it out.”
His coworker, receivers coach Joe Cox, was one of the first Gamecocks football coaches to say something via social media, as he posted a note Friday on Twitter on the subject of changing attitudes when it comes to race in America.
Not long after, Gamecocks head coach Will Muschamp started sharing thoughts, posting images of Martin Luther King along with quotes and the hashtag #CoachesStandforJustice.
“My heart goes out to George Floyd and his family and all his friends, and what is happening with him is unbelievable,” Wilson said. “But that’s kind of where we are in this country right now. It’s sad to say. But as the player standpoint, I’m just there for them. They have a voice. If they want to speak their voice, I’m behind them.”
Columbia saw protesting on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, which included some clashes with police. Saturday saw some damage to downtown businesses, but Sunday and Monday appeared to be mostly free of that.
Wilson also praised how Muschamp handled his side of the situation, by using his platform, and also for how the head coach will speak to the team behind closed doors.
