A national conversation on race and police violence in the world of sports has hit home recently for us Nebraskans and UNL students. Three members of the Nebraska football team joined a movement started by an NFL quarterback last month by kneeling during the national anthem before the Huskers' game against Northwestern: Michael Rose-Ivey, DaiShon Neal and Mohamed Barry.
They have received an unusual amount of backlash since the incident, keeping Husker Nation in the front of many headlines. Among those that disapprove, Nebraska's own Gov. Pete Ricketts has proved to be a high-profile critic. He referred to the protest as disgraceful and disrespectful.
We've seen just about everyone with access to technology join in on the discussion and offer their opinions. The headlines are full of the adverse reactions to the protest, however, but the dedication and steadfastness of Nebraska's program has been exceptional. This is why I am writing this to shed light on the many of us that respect their peaceful protest that encourages change, because God knows we need it.
Michael Rose-Ivey has been handling the situation, and the backlash, very professionally and eloquently. He even stepped forward and requested to speak with Ricketts, which will take place this week as Nebraska has a bye.
Coach Mike Riley has remained positive and supportive throughout the situation as well.
"They took an opportunity with a situation to make a point. Which I respect. Within the confines of our team, it was well-respected by our team, and I love that. And all these guys are just beautiful guys who are really thoughtful. When they did that, there was a ton of thought that went into it. I really, truly believe there are tons of opinions across this country about something like this. And I'm not going to worry about that. I have a firm belief about what I think is right and wrong. What other people say, they're certainly entitled to say. I have respect for the fact that they can say it," he told the press.
Another supporter of this movement is the President of NU himself. Last Tuesday, he announced that he defends the players’ right to kneel during the national anthem, and that it is a First Amendment right, a basic principle that our country was founded upon..
Joshua Stevenson, a member of the military for the past 12 years, even took a knee during the anthem in support of the three players. He said he hoped it didn’t offend his fellow servicemen, but wanted to back the Husker players who received such harsh criticism. “Listen to this kid. Listen to the pain that he feels. Me, as a white male, I’ve never been subjected to that kind of treatment.”
And of course Husker fans in general want to express our devotion to both our team and our country in our approval of their decisions.
Of course, everyone will continue to have their own opinions. That is what makes America the way that it is. We need to utilize moments like this, however, to team up and make that changed together. I have the utmost respect for our country, for my university, for those strong enough to push for change.
Keep working for it. Husker Nation is behind you always.
