2021 NFL Draft Prospects speak out about Racism
Rashod Bateman the wide receiver from the Minnesota Gophers and top 2021 NFL Draft Prospect was one of the first players in college football to speak up about racism. He wrote this:
“Growing up, I never stood up to try to defend myself,” said Bateman, who has blossomed as a star wide receiver for the Golden Gophers. “It was normal for us. When this first happened, I didn’t know what to do. I went into my room and sat down and started thinking on how I could help. I knew there was only so much I could do being a student-athlete, but I wanted to use my voice the best way I can.”
Then followed it up with a tweet.
My name is Rashod Bateman. I’m an African Male from South Georgia. I never thought in a million years I would be scared to walk outside. I pray that we all wake up and start loving each other the correct way and stop taking each other lives. No matter the color, we are all one. pic.twitter.com/KaW3AWpNJP— Rashod Bateman (@R_bateman2) May 26, 2020
Trey Lance a superstar for North Dakota State is from Minnesota. He participated in a peaceful march on May 30th in Fargo, North Dakota protesting police brutality.
Lance is a leader on and off the field, and NFL teams will love that. Lance could be the highest NFL player taken from North Dakota State since Carson Wentz who went 2nd overall. Many think he is a top 15 player. He is only a redshirt sophomore, but almost everyone believes he will leave college early.
Ohio State senior football player and captain C.J. Saunders was even arrested for violating a curfew put in place to deter protesters.
The Ohio State football team released a video as well with Justin Fields one of the top rated quarterback prospects leading the way.
Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence even spoke up about the matter. He is considered the top prospect in the 2021 NFL Draft. He had a powerful message.
There has to be a shift in the way of thinking. Rational must outweigh irrational. Justice must outweigh injustice. Love must outweigh hate.
If you put yourself in someone else’s shoes and you don’t like how it feels-that’s when you know things need to change.— Trevor Lawrence (@Trevorlawrencee) May 29, 2020
I’m siding with my brothers that deal, and continuously deal, with things I will never experience. The injustice is clear.. and so is the hate. It can no longer be explained away. If you’re still “explaining” it – check your heart and ask why.— Trevor Lawrence (@Trevorlawrencee) May 29, 2020
It is pretty powerful to see young student athletes stick together. The 2020 NCAA season will be a wild one, but at least we are seeing leadership from some of the top rated prospects during a horrible time.
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