The most recent act of stupidity that took place at the University of Oklahoma recently where members of a white fraternity thought they would have their own pep rally that would encourage the lynching of black people (although they used another word that we are all quite familiar with). This could be costly to the university.
After the event, which sparked mass outrage and immediate action by the university, it was later learned that one of Oklahoma’s prized football recruits had decided to rescind his commitment to attending the school this fall. After all, if you are good enough to play at Oklahoma, you will have your choice of other elite programs at schools that have their diversity house in order. If the school were to get a few more players who choose to go elsewhere because of the frat boys and how they roll, all of a sudden old OU would not be the Big 12 power that they have been known to be.
So what next? Yes, there have been protests and visible dissatisfaction starting with the president of the university, but will heads roll or will frat boys’ daddies’ money and influence win out? The public should know who these idiots are and what punishment will be doled out.
Ah, punishment, the attention-getter that should discourage such actions – but this nonsense appears to be making a comeback around America, where people of color or now open season. Not just African Americans but anyone who is not from the “bosom of America” is now in the category that ranges from being ostracized to being treated like an endangered species. It appears that sensitivity training is not working as well as one would hope.
While some will shake their heads and say how appalled they are by the actions of a few who may not truly be held accountable, maybe now is the time for athletes to step up, both professional and amateur, and say enough is enough.
Not attending schools that do not have a no-tolerance policy in place would be a good start. Parents of student athletes should make it quite clear during the recruiting process why “old state U” has no shot. Those who attended said schools should withhold donations and let the world know why.
At that point, coaches of these schools would become more vigilant with the administration to make sure such practices are not condoned and make sure those who continue to partake in these elements will be severely dealt with, up to and including legal action.
I am sure that the parents of these culprits will fall on the sword for their kids or say this could ruin their lives for the future because they really did not know how much hurt it would cause. That act has now fallen on deaf ears. It happens too much in this country. There is one excuse after another, and the kid is always sorry.
I am sorry too, but encouraging lynching had to come from somewhere. It certainly did not come from the black fraternities or sororities. As a matter of fact, I commend those organizations for not taking the bait and retaliating, as they would be attacked by those who are looking to lay blame on anyone but the culprits. I say, “Stay strong” to all Greeks who know what the real struggle has been all about.
So what do you do with these clowns? While their record should always carry the stain, expulsion seems too good for them, as they would only take their hatred elsewhere. (Two have already been expelled.) Sensitivity training? Nice try.
I think they should have to work closely with Black Greek organizations. They should be taught the history of how things are what they are and how their stupidity only makes their race look more than just embarrassed. I will refrain from calling for a little hazing along the way, as that would only stoop to their level.
Parents and athletes must make all institutions accountable for the campus actions that are as offensive as those that took place at Oklahoma. If you still want to send your baby to such a place because of a scholarship, then you should have your parenting credentials examined, as you are part of the problem.
This is the era of protest. And while some protests have been staged for selfish and uninformed reasons, if there was ever a time for athletes everywhere to stand up, this is it. While sports have at times been a racial buffer, in this case athletes must lend a very loud voice to the problem at hand. Silence here is not an option. If you are just worrying about playing ball, you are already a loser and merit a membership to the frat boy club that encourages hating everything you should stand for.
The athletic director at Oklahoma is Joe Castiglione, a man of great character. He and his department need to be front and center on this one, from the receptionist on up. If not, then the cost could be more devastating than one could ever imagine. The clock is ticking to see if more good athletes elect to go elsewhere.
