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What seemed like a simple photo of Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy on a fishing trip has turned into a full-blown crisis for the Cowboys football program.
The shirt in question, one representing the news outlet One America News (OAN), caught the attention of star running back and Heisman contender Chuba Hubbard on Monday.
I will not stand for this.. This is completely insensitive to everything going on in society, and it’s unacceptable. I will not be doing anything with Oklahoma State until things CHANGE. https://t.co/psxPn4Khoq
— Chuba Hubbard (@Hubbard_RMN) June 15, 2020
The outlet has been quite controversial. John Oliver talks about that here. In April, Gundy lauded OAN during a conference call with media.
“I tell you what’s funny is, I was flipping through stations. I found one — I don’t even know if anybody knows about this — it’s called OAN,” Gundy said. “It’s One America News. And it was so refreshing. They just report the news. There’s no commentary. There’s no opinions on this. There’s no left. There’s no right. They just reported the news. And I’ve been watching them the last week, because they’re given us the news and given us more information — in my opinion — some of the positives are coming out. So, that was refreshing.”
So while Gundy’s love of OAN isn’t something new, it does seem to be an issue to players. it’s more likely Hubbard’s reaction to the OAN shirt photo is more of a “last straw” than a single issue as former OSU running back Justice Hill basically echoed that point in response to a “it’s just a shirt” tweet.
You don't see everyday things
— Justice Hill (@jhill21_) June 15, 2020
Hubbard’s tweet has empowered other current and former players to speak out on Twitter.
Lmao doesn’t shock me at all. Never met a human so two-faced. @PFBoone @Hubbard_RMN https://t.co/391AzwvRu5
— Grayson Boomer (@BoomerGrayson) June 15, 2020
Can’t stay Silent Anymore! Call a Spade a Spade!! https://t.co/Ya8xTYIwEr
— AJ Green III (@AjGofor6) June 15, 2020
Damn @KanionW I was Threaten I Was Gonna Get Sent Back To The Hood Numerous Time... How Many Times Did He Say He Was Gonna Send You Back To South Dallas.?
— PatMaconMoves‼️〽️ (@Patrick_Macon44) June 15, 2020
Coming to the defense of Hubbard...
Some of the comments showing y’all true colors.. y’all don’t care about my brother all y’all care bout is touchdowns. https://t.co/bjoRHepQGo
— Tre Sterling (@sterling__trey) June 15, 2020
I stand with him! https://t.co/WWOs2ALxml
— Amen Ogbongbemiga (@closedprayer) June 15, 2020
We Are More Than Athletes. https://t.co/bnvI3ERGXg
— Kolby Harvell-Peel (@kolbypeel) June 15, 2020
Wide receiver Brayden Johnson also tweeted out his support:
I stand with you my brotha ✊ I refuse to keep feeling the uncomfort. This is bigger than football ! https://t.co/dfgtxPToL7
— B ⚡️ (@GLOing_817) June 15, 2020
Hubbard’s O-lineman have his back on and off the field.
As an O-line we stand and support Chuba https://t.co/5zau9yTpCF
— maybe: tev (@TevenJenkins) June 15, 2020
Tylan Wallace this is about more than the sport they play:
It’s About Way More Than Football!!! https://t.co/Zjr5J5CFNf
— SUPERMAN (@OfficialTylan2) June 15, 2020
Fans only care about you when you can score touchdowns or dunk a ball... True colors show in times like these, but it's no suprise.
— Dez (@dezmonjackson) June 15, 2020
We all stand together as one! https://t.co/IVo7oszvmc
— Bryce Bray (@bbray_78) June 15, 2020
At this point, there isn’t a lot of specific information around what kind of direct changes players would like to be made within the OSU football program. Stay with CRFF for updates as they’re made available.