:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66878431/usa_today_13870367.0.jpg)
Our nation is in mourning. The events of the last week have been heartbreaking to say the least. Social injustice is at the forefront of our minds once again as another Black man was the victim of police brutality. May George Floyd rest in peace.
My thoughts and feelings include praying for a better tomorrow for our Black brothers and sisters. I feel a responsibility to thwart racism wherever and whenever I can. That includes both in public and at the polls. This can’t just be something everyone gets fired up over after someone dies. It has to be all year.
Everyone is putting out statements about their thoughts and feelings on the matter, and that is a great thing. Unfortunately, Twitter didn’t save Floyd just like it couldn’t save countless others. Our words need to be accompanied by action.
As protests ensue in the midst of a pandemic, words are the easiest thing to offer. With many still uneasy about leaving home, words take the place of many people who can’t protest in public. These are the words of Oklahoma State athletes — both past and present — and coaches.
— Mike Gundy (@CoachGundy) May 31, 2020
If you support us on the field, but can’t support us now.. BEAT IT! BRING CHANGE! pic.twitter.com/kBxlPqRipW
— Chuba Hubbard (@Hubbard_RMN) May 31, 2020
Just a thought. pic.twitter.com/NqemM6VbW0
— Amen Ogbongbemiga (@closedprayer) May 30, 2020
✊ ❤️ Do Better. Be Better pic.twitter.com/1UdlgR7T8G
— Mike Boynton (@thacoachmike) May 29, 2020
Nothing changes if nothing changes..
— Dillon Stoner (@dillon_stoner) May 29, 2020
I get to see my guys soon! It’s a beautiful thing about sports that we all get thrown together and find a way to make it work. Team, family, culture ... I wish that everyone could get out of their comfort zone and experience it. pic.twitter.com/rAzhsu7XMM
— Coach Wozniak (@JohnWozniak2) May 31, 2020
As we pray for #GeorgeFloyd and his family, we are reminded of how ugly this world can be. It really sucks. This isn’t about race. Everyone should be upset about this - regardless of your race. I pray for his family. We have to do better. We can’t let this continue to happen. RIP
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) May 27, 2020
— Jim Littell (@Coach_Littell) May 31, 2020
Nobody is born hating or discriminating someone else for the color of their skin
— Spencer Sanders (@SpenceSanders) May 31, 2020
Forge change. pic.twitter.com/HiBFfKbI41
— Oklahoma State Athletics (@OSUAthletics) May 31, 2020
All of these statements are a great start. We all have to acknowledge the problem first. The next step is much more important. What are WE going TO DO? Let’s be organized, deliberate, intentional... and let’s PRODUCE. WE MUST ERADICATE HATE. Let’s challenge our peers to DO more.
— Mike Boynton (@thacoachmike) June 1, 2020
I can’t say I know what it’s like. All I can say is I hope I can help be the change. I can never understand what it’s like to feel persecuted and unsafe. I just hope I can support and help us change for the better. We have to do better. #GeorgeFloyd
— Robert Luce (@CoachLuceFB) June 1, 2020
A lot of people on here that seem to only be focusing on the looting. Not on that a life was lost for no reason. Not on the fact that we as a society have shown that forms of peaceful protest (like kneeling at an NFL game) can be viewed as unnacceptable and unamerican —
— Chris Meyers (@CoachMeyersOSU) June 1, 2020
A few of my thoughts on everything happening. pic.twitter.com/O8ys1d8PAj
— Charlie Dickey (@Coach_Dickey) June 1, 2020
Action speaks louder than words. You posting doesn't show me or my people that you care.
— Kanion Williams (@KanionW) May 31, 2020
Do something thats effective.#BlacklivesMaters