[jwplayer N41kufA1]
Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte will now expect players to remain on the field postgame for the playing of ‘The Eyes of Texas.’
Dozens of Texas football players voiced their strong opinions over the summer in an attempt to prevent the song from being played due to its racist undertones. In previous years, the team would gather on the field to sing the song in unity after each game.
Although Del Conte has continuously stated that this is an ongoing issue, players were ultimately given the option to leave the field while the song was played throughout the first four games of the season.
Questions and concerns began to rise when quarterback Sam Ehlinger was the only player spotted on the field after Texas suffered a heartbreaking loss to Oklahoma last week. According to Brian Davis of the Austin-American Statesman, the anger over ‘The Eyes of Texas’ was enough to engulf the Longhorns’ season.
At this point, the issue needed to be addressed firmly.
Texas head coach Tom Herman was vague in his media availability this week. In summary, Herman expressed that he understands the very strong emotions on both sides, but that he’ll leave it up to the leadership committee and ultimately follow their lead.
According to Geoff Ketchum of Orangebloods.com, Herman and Del Conte met with the team on Wednesday night to discuss the ongoing Eyes of Texas situation. It was conveyed to the players that they will now be expected to remain on the field during the school song. However, they are not required to sing or participate in the tune.
“I have had many conversations with our head coaches outlining my expectations that our teams show appreciation for our university, fans, and supporters by standing together as a unified group for ‘The Eyes,’ while we work through this issue,” Del Conte said during his media availability on Wednesday.
It’s unclear at this time whether players would be penalized for not adhering to these new guidelines.