MANHATTAN, Kan. (KWCH) – The Kansas State soccer team has said they will not meet unless the university takes action following a tweet from one of its students, in light of the death of George Floyd.
Members of the soccer team have been posting an image that says:
“For our family in the state of Kansas: Due to recent disparaging, callous, and disturbing comments made by a fellow student, we, as a soccer team, after consulting with students from campus organizations as well as students from the general student body, sorry It is best for us to be with students. We demand that Kansas State University establish a policy that allows a student to be fired for displaying openly racist, threatening, or disrespectful actions toward a student or groups of students. We have resolved that we cannot play, practice or comply until these demands are heard and action is taken. We love Kansas State, but we must come together and protect all students in the future. “
Senior defensive backs DJ Render, Jonathan Alexander and Walter Neil, as well as second-year wide receiver Malik Knowles are among some of the players who threaten to boycott the show.
WE ARE ONE .. @KState pic.twitter.com/xaoj1emdJx
– Jonathan Alexander (@CatchaplayJ) June 27, 2020
So far, the university said they are reviewing their options.
A message from President Richard Myers:
The callous comments posted by a K-State student hurt our entire community. These divisive statements do not represent the values of our university. We condemn racism and intolerance in all its forms.
– K-State (@KState) June 26, 2020
Soccer head coach Chris Klieman tweeted in support of his players.
“Our program and our coaches will continue to be part of the solution when it comes to racial injustice,” wrote Klieman. “I love our players and they know I have my back.”
Our program and our coaches will continue to be part of the solution when it comes to racial injustice. I love our players and they know I have my back.
– Chris Klieman (@CoachKli) June 26, 2020
K-State Athletic Director Gene Taylor also spoke out against the tweet, saying it was “grossly inappropriate.”
Recent tweets from a K-State student that downplay the effort of Black Lives Matter and the tragic and foolish death of George Floyd are disgusting and totally inappropriate and do not reflect who we are as a university or our athletic department.
– Gene Taylor (@KSTATEADGT) June 26, 2020
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