Trojans Speak Out
6/2/2020
USC president Carol L. Folt and athletic director Mike Bohn each released their letters to the Trojan Family over the weekend in support of the Black community:
I hope you’ll read my letter to the Trojan Community. Thank you. https://t.co/PvUBbIKJcE pic.twitter.com/t6oZvg9TJK
— Carol Folt (@PresidentFolt) May 31, 2020
Here is the message we sent to our student-athletes:
— Mike Bohn (@USC_mikebohn) June 1, 2020
We unequivocally and unapologetically denounce all forms of discrimination and racism, and we will always stand in solidarity with Black student-athletes, coaches and staff members in our program and beyond. pic.twitter.com/oPpm1LPo50
Bohn released an additional statement on Monday in response to an incident on social media:
Racism and hate speech will not be tolerated. pic.twitter.com/Ariz9zkdJ1
— Mike Bohn (@USC_mikebohn) June 1, 2020
Many coaches have expressed their thoughts and support through team statements and their personal accounts:
Football head coach Clay Helton
— Clay Helton (@USCCoachHelton) May 30, 2020
Men's basketball head coach Andy Enfield
A statement from our head coach. #FightOn | #UntilWeAllWin pic.twitter.com/XI3pyjcId1
— USC Men's Basketball (@USC_Hoops) June 1, 2020
Women's basketball head coach Mark Trakh
— USC Women's Basketball (@USCWBB) May 31, 2020
Past and current USC student-athletes— as well as assistant coaches — spoke out through their individual accounts, with some taking part in the community.
Former men's basketball forward Onyeka Okongwu
Redshirt sophomore football safety Chase Williams
As athletes we are pressured to keep our mouths closed and opinions unspoken, but I’m Black before I’m an athlete. #BLM pic.twitter.com/8E7zzpTG92
— Ç-DUB® (@wavy_c7) June 2, 2020
Football offensive line coach Tim Drevno
“The ultimate measure of a person is not where they stand in moments of comfort and convenience, but where they stand at times of challenge and controversy” - Dr. Martin Luther King
— Tim Drevno (@CoachDrev) May 30, 2020
We stand TOGETHER against injustice and systematic racism.#WeFightAsOne #UntilWeAllWin pic.twitter.com/CfCRSjFkjV
Football defensive line coach Vic So'oto
“To ignore evil is to become an accomplice to it.”
— Vic So'oto (@Coach_Sooto) May 31, 2020
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
I empathize and stand with those that have suffered at the hands of systemic racism. Join us and be the change. It starts in the home. #FightOn | #UntilWeAllWin pic.twitter.com/8xcl60xbe0
Freshman football wide receiver Gary Bryant Jr.
With so much DARKNESS in the world... be the LIGHT!!! ???????????? @Gary_Bryant01 pic.twitter.com/lQtmf7K8Sp
— Keary Colbert (@kearycolbert) May 31, 2020
Redshirt sophomore linebacker Abdul-Malik McClain and sophomore wide receiver Munir McClain
USC football players @munirmcclain_6 and @malikmcclain8_ are always giving back to the community! #FightOnGiveBack pic.twitter.com/ly8qlikIU7
— Trojan Outreach (@TrojanOutreach) May 29, 2020
Redshirt junior football center Brett Neilon
Justice for George Floyd. I will stand up against injustices and systematic racism.#FightOn | #UntilWeAllWin pic.twitter.com/8YjvMNpDAa
— Brett Neilon (@brettn110) May 31, 2020
Former football wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster
Our country is in pain right now, and coming together is the only way to heal each other. No more injustice!
— JuJu Smith-Schuster (@TeamJuJu) May 31, 2020
Senior football tight end Erik Krommenhoek
Man I love my team. Just a bunch of grown men with diverse perspectives that aren’t afraid to speak their mind and be honest with each other when times are tough. Can’t thank them enough for being open and willing to share with me and everyone else tonight. #weFIGHTasONe
— Erik Krommenhoek (@ekromme11) June 2, 2020
Senior track & field hurdler Anna Cockrell
I’m way more vocal on Instagram than I am on Twitter but in case there’s any confusion: Black Lives Matter, I support the protests going on, and I’m sick of cops killing us and tired of racism
— Anna Cockrell (@AnnaCockrell48) June 1, 2020
Football offensive coordinator Graham Harrell
“The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking”
— Graham Harrell (@CoachHarrellUSC) June 3, 2020
-Albert Einstein
To be the change, we must listen, serve, & love the millions raising their voices. Most importantly be INTENTIONAL in these actions. #FIGHTasONe pic.twitter.com/Sxln3LFcoi
Football redshirt senior offensive guard Frank Martin II
Keep doing you coach! We need more open minded individuals like yourself! I appreciate you and admire the fact that you acknowledge that you will never understand what people of color go through, but you still stand with us regardless that’s love right there #FightOn pic.twitter.com/gneil1x7Fb
— FM2?? (@IAMFMII) June 7, 2020
