UW’s Nigel Hayes: ‘To White America, Black Athletes Should Only Entertain’
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

UW’s Nigel Hayes: ‘To White America, Black Athletes Should Only Entertain’

Wisconsin Badger basketball players speak up about police brutality and the oil pipeline.

20
UW’s Nigel Hayes: ‘To White America, Black Athletes Should Only Entertain’
wisn.com

Wisconsin basketball star Nigel Hayes took a stand on Twitter Wednesday night in response to this week’s officer-involved shootings.

"Racism towards black people isn't getting 'worse'," Hayes tweeted Wednesday Night. "It's getting filmed and shared for all to see what actually goes on ," This was just one of 44 tweets regarding social inequality and police brutality against the black community.

Hayes took a particular interest in the shooting of Terence Crutcher, a 40-year-old Tulsa man who was shot to death by a police officer after his vehicle stalled in the middle of the road.

"I urge you to view the Tulsa killing of ." Hayes tweeted. "Maybe a video is good enough to not be a 'bailout'."

Betty Shelby, the Oklahoma police officer that killed Crutcher, has been charged with manslaughter after the Tulsa County District Attorney's Office found that she "reacted unreasonably" and became "emotionally involved to the point that she overreacted," according to NBC News.

After receiving a number of tweets criticizing his beliefs on the issue, Hayes made it clear how he felt about minority athlete's role in American society.

"To White America, black athletes should only entertain. Once they speak on social issues, they've gone too far..."One individual tweeted at Hayes saying, "It really is a bummer to read all your tweets tonight. You've painted all whites with a very broad brush."To which Hayes responded sarcastically, "Crazy. What kind of person would do that? I'm glad they don't do this to black people..."

Hayes also stressed the fact that he feels there is a double standard when it comes to civilian riots.

"Blacks riot when people are murdered without consequences... Whites riot when sports teams win championships..."

Hayes isn't the only Badger speaking up about important social issues. His fellow teammate and star point guard, Bronson Koenig, drove 13 hours from Wisconsin to Fort Yates, North Dakota to stand with protestors in opposition to the oil pipeline, according to NBC Sports.

Their recent display of activism certainly has not gone unnoticed. Democratic lawmaker, Mandela Barns, recognized the young men for their efforts.

"So dope to see @NIGEL_HAYES find his voice and@BronsonK_24's activism on the DAPL," Barns tweeted. "Hottest duo in sports right now."

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

85871
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

51760
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments