On Saturday, September 24, 2016, during the national anthem of the Univ. of Nebraska versus Northwestern Univ. football game, 3 members of the Cornhuskers’ football team performed an action to represent solidarity. UNL players Michael Rose-Ivey, DaiShon Neal, and Mohamed Barry kneeled during the national anthem to protest against the recent social injustices against African-Americans, and people of color in the U.S.A. However, after performing this action the players received backlash from people who live and work in the state of Nebraska, and from people across the nation.
During a press conference, Rose-Ivey shared with reporters his thoughts on his actions, and the message he was trying to get across by kneeling. He also shared he and, his two teammates received threats.
“Some believe DaiShon, Mohamed and myself should be kicked off the team or suspended, while some said we deserved to be lynched or shot just like the other black people who have died recently.” After pausing Rose-Ivey continued, “Others believe we should be hung before the anthem before the next game.”
Days following the game people sent emails to Nebraska’s Regent Hal Daub, and President Hank Bounds expressing how they felt about the 3 player’s actions before the UNL vs. NU game. The emails which came from a variety of people such as those with ties to UNL, military services, law enforcement, and “citizens” of the U. S; symbolized mixed feelings about the actions made by Rose-Ivey, Neal, and Mohamed Barry.
Emails similar to ones from Regent Daub represented disapproval. In an email sent from Daub to Bounds, Daub stated “… They can protest in many other ways, not in ways damaging our University’s reputation and reducing our credibility in the eyes of our resident taxpayers. … Are we approving offending our flag and our military service personnel because we excuse extreme conduct that is televised? We are not a forum for personal ethic or racial grievances. Do they think they will get a Pro contract with this kind of citizenship? Is this conduct going to continue to the potential detriment of our University? … Hank, small occurrences can get out of control. I am deeply concerned. And I am embarrassed. Hal.”
People who shared the same concerns as Daubs sent the regent, and Bounds emails threatening to stop donating money to the university. Many emails echoed disapproval on how monies the school received from taxpayers was being misused to allow players to have a platform to speak on such an issue. A woman who went by the name Cynthia, and who also identified herself as an “1975 UNL Alumnus” stated, “Those students and players who protest in this way should be asked to leave the football program and leave behind any scholarships since they feel so oppressed. Until this behavior stops, any and all donations and support of the University will be stopped by this 1975 UNL Alumnus. It is shameful.”
However, a letter written by UNL’s Athletic Director Shawn Eichorst to Huskers fans in 2014 contradicts many of the recent emails sent by the worried taxpayers. In the letter, Eichorst states, “Of our 600-plus student-athletes, 164 have received full-rides during the 2013-14 academic year, meaning Nebraska Athletics pays 100 percent of their tuition and most fees, room and board, and required books.” Included in the 164 student-athletes on full-ride scholarships are 85 football players. According to Nebraska Athletics, 85 is the maximum amount of full-ride scholarships given for football. Michael Rose-Ivey, DaiShon Neal, and Mohamed Barry are all players who received full-ride scholarships.
In addition, comments were made that also represented disapproval towards Rose-Ivey, Neal, and Barry. During Nebraska’s Governor Pete Ricketts’s live-call radio show, he agreed the 3 players had a right to express their thoughts through protest. However, he also stated, “Generations of men and women have died to give them that right to protest. I think the way they chose to protest was disgraceful and disrespectful” (17:30-19:02).
Although Rose-Ivey, Neal, and Barry received letters, messages, and heard comments that were considered unkind. They also received support from many, among those who supported them was UNL’s Hank Bounds, and their Head Coach Mike Riley. In a letter Bounds sent out to the university after the players’ actions, he stated, “… The University of Nebraska will not restrict the First Amendment rights of any student or employee. … College campuses, as much as any space, must be places where robust, even uncomfortable, debate is welcomed and encouraged. I want every student, faculty and staff member to know that I am unwavering in my support of your right to participate in these dialogues.”
When asked about the players’ actions Riley stated, “This is obviously a choice they have made for personal reasons and that’s the beautiful thing about the United States that they can do that.” Riley also complemented Rose-Ivey stating the linebacker spoke “quite eloquently” about the issue.
In the same emails Daub and Bounds received that symbolized disapproval, there were many who supported the players’ actions. One of several who expressed their support for the 3 players’ actions was a man who went by the name Victor. In an email Victor identified himself as a Vietnam veteran, and a Huskers fan. Victor then expressed how although he might disagree with the way the players went about protesting, he still stood by “their right to do so”.
“… There is no doubt that our country is in turmoil and that there needs to be change and instead of rioting on the streets these young gentlemen simply took a knee during the national anthem. If there is any action taken against them, then that only proves their point that they are not being heard and their freedom of speech means nothing. University of Nebraska is a place of learning and teaching; what message would this send that we can’t disagree without fear of retaliation of some sort?”
Notes:
To view emails sent to and from UNL’s President Hank Bounds, click here.
To view emails sent to and from UNL’s Chancellor Ronnie Green, click here.