After refusing to practice Thursday, Gophers players donned their maroon game jerseys and announced that they are boycotting all football activities — even their Dec. 27 bowl game, if need be — in protest of the University of Minnesota’s decision to suspend 10 teammates as a result of a September sexual assault allegation.I have no idea what happened in September, but I suspect the penalty given to the players, especially those who weren't directly involved in the incident, is a bit much. There's a much larger battle involved on college campuses, especially where due process is concerned. It's a conversation that needs to happen, but it's not going to be pleasant. There's a lot more at the link and it's worth reading.
Those 10 suspended players stood directly behind seniors Drew Wolitarsky, Mitch Leidner and Duke Anyanwu — with the rest of the team arrayed behind them in support — as Wolitarsky read from a typed, two-page statement, laying out the players’ demands.
“The boycott will remain in effect until due process is followed and the suspensions for all 10 players involved are lifted,” Wolitarsky said.
Wolitarsky said the players want an apology from university President Eric Kaler and athletic director Mark Coyle, adding that the players “demand that these leaders are held accountable for their actions.”
Friday, December 16, 2016
Gophers Boycott
This escalated quickly:
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4 comments:
Good for them. There was so much evidence for the three players accused of sexual assault, multiple investigations didn't find enough evidence for an arrest, let alone an indictment. The irony here is that by suspending ten players, the U. is setting themselves up beautifully for a lawsuit for violation of due process and civil rights.
Exactly what Title IX was intended to prevent, if I remember correctly. I'll be popping the popcorn to watch while the players find themselves some good lawyers.
This is an interesting juxtaposition with Missouri last year.
"First the hanging, THEN the fair trial." I just hope that somehow this boycott hurts the U more than the players.
Question if somebody knows: If UM cannot field a team, what does the Bowl committee do? Guess we will know by noon today.
It's been settled and the Gophers are going. What would have happened is that a different team (Northern Illinois University) would have gone instead of the Gophers.
There are multiple issues involved in this story. Title IX enforcement under Obama changed the rules significantly. It will be interesting to see what happens once The Donald is in charge.
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