There have been a lot of statements released in light of what is going on in the world today. So many black athletes have stepped up to speak out against police brutality and mistreatment aimed toward African Americans in our country. The latest to speak out was Texas Longhorns wide receiver Brennan Eagles who said that he “won’t play another snap knowing what is going on in our society.”
✊🏾🖤 pic.twitter.com/7L81OJmiS6
— 🦅 (@_BrennanEagles_) June 4, 2020
“Okay so for all my brothers out there that are student athletes, do you really think athletics should be a man focus right now during this time that we live in? At the end of the day if that is the main focus i [sic] find you blind to the fact that your platform can change this,” Eagles tweeted. Thousands of people come to watch for Entertainment, revenue is built from that, money is generated from us. If it wasn’t for athletics we would’t have coaches/trainers. Doctors wouldn’t perform as many surgeries, etc. the list goes on. I’ll be damned if you think I’ll play Another snap with the platform i have that effects majority of people that contribute to the sport who don’t actually play. Know your value is all I’m saying. Athletics brings people together all over but at the end of the day I’m not going to play another snap knowing what’s going on in our society due to color and the system being broken… i just can’t…….let’s look at the bigger picture. Don’t care if you yellow or blue that goes for every athlete/Supporter out there.
Current linebacker DeMarvion Overshown commented that he stood with him and Juwan Mitchell also voiced his support for Eagles’ comments.
“I’m riding wit you bro.”
–@juwanmitchell_6 pic.twitter.com/bO8DYDvBMe
— Paul B. Livengood II (@IamLivengood) June 4, 2020
Brennan Eagles is their top returning wide receiver from last season after Devin Duvernay and Collin Johnson made their way to the NFL. Eagles was the 6th ranked player in the state of Texas and 10th wide receiver according to 247Sports composite rankings in the 2018 recruiting class.
According to 247Sports, Herman was recently on the HERD with Collin Cowherd and showed his support for his players.
“I told our players I don’t have their back, I have their front. ‘You tell me what to do, what wall to run through, I’ll run through it, I’ll make a hole so big that you guys can walk through it.’ Because that’s how passionately we feel, because when you love somebody the way we love our players and you see them hurt and you see them angry and you see them frustrated, much like a parent, you want to take all of that off of their heart and you want to put it all on yourself and be there for them and provide some guidance for them,” Herman said. “Hopefully us here at Texas we won’t be forgotten on our message on this topic. In a short few weeks, hopefully us a program and our individuals within our program can help truly affect real change in the system.”