TCU’s Patterson weighs in: ‘Unacceptable that racism of any kind still exists in 2020’
TCU coach Gary Patterson and his wife Kelsey posted a social media video message on Sunday night, addressing George Floyd’s death and social injustices that have spurred protests across the country.
“It is unimaginable and unacceptable that racism of any kind still exists in 2020,” Patterson said. “The senseless act of violence that we all witnessed broke our hearts and the hearts of our young men that we’ve been charged with to parent, teach, coach and mentor for so many years. We have to do better. I have to do better. We have to be part of the solution. We must change.
“I challenge all coaches and leaders to use their platform to create change. We must try to make it possible for all our children to grow up with the possibility to achieve our dreams.”
Kelsey Patterson concluded the video by saying: “To all of the young men, the young women, the coaches and their families that have been a part of our program for so many years, we love you. We’re here to listen and support you.”
Patterson joined a number of college football coaches who have spoken out about Floyd’s death in recent days. Floyd, a black man, died after multiple police officers were seen on video pinning him to the ground while another officer kneeled on Floyd’s neck as he lay handcuffed in a Minneapolis street last Monday.
Every Power Five football coach in Texas and every coach in the Big 12 posted or shared a message on social media speaking out against social injustices.
Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher wrote on Sunday, “While I can’t pretend to comprehend the pain felt by the black community, I want to do my part to bring about the change we are all desperately seeking. This starts with an open and honest dialogue where everyone can be heard and their feelings supported.”
Along with Patterson and Fisher, other coaches addressing the issue on Sunday included Alabama’s Nick Saban, Oklahoma’s Lincoln Riley and Oklahoma State’s Mike Gundy.
Patterson and his staff discussed the death of Floyd and police brutality with their players during a virtual team meeting on Friday. Patterson has also reached out to a number of current and former players in recent days.
TCU linebacker Garret Wallow weighed in after Patterson’s message, saying: “As a white man in this society, I’d be lying if I said I knew how it felt to be black and living in a system that is corrupt and as bad as ours. I play football on a team that is predominantly black and I see many of my teammates hurting and frustrated with the recent injustices exuded here in America.
“Black voices need to be heard just as much as anybody else’s. It’s sad that it takes constant violence and grief to be noticed. Wake up. I stand with my brothers in this fight with y’all forever and always.”
This story was originally published May 31, 2020 at 8:28 PM.
