Texas linebacker DeMarvion Overshown says until “real action” is taken regarding Longhorns players’ demands that the university be more inclusive of black athletes and the black community, it will be “out of the question.” team activities. “
“We have been told that things are being done behind closed doors but we have not yet seen any changes,” Overshown wrote in a tweet. “Urgency is constantly being preached to us throughout the program and I feel that the university should have the same standard.”
Until we are one. pic.twitter.com/OQN7xmjFRd
– DeMarvion Overshown (@ dee_overshown6) July 2, 2020
Last month, dozens of Longhorns athletes issued an unsigned two-page statement requesting that the school rename several campus buildings named after school officials linked to their segregationist past. They also said that the school should stop using “The Eyes of Texas,” which has long been criticized for its connection to minstrel shows with characters in blackface in the early 1900s. It is sung regularly at almost every event organized on campus and players from all sports gather as a team to sing it after each game.
Other requests included the installation of more diverse statues designed by people of color; a permanent black athletic history in the school’s athletic hall of honor; and the name change on behalf of the Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium after Julius Whittier, the Longhorns’ first black player.
Texas Athletic Director Chris Del Conte said he and interim university president Jay Hartzell met with the soccer team on June 17 and understood the frustrations of the players.
Junior linebacker Juwan Mitchell said after the meeting that he is “not comfortable representing the University of Texas” in a tweet that has since been removed. “It seems that they only have our forehead, but not our backs. People who want to create change do not care how much money can be lost, they do not care who hates them or the bad results that may happen. The only thing on your mind should be be equality. “
Del Conte told ESPN at the time that he “didn’t bother” with Mitchell’s feelings. “He is frustrated like many of our student athletes. He and the team want immediate change, which is understandable, but we will meet with all of our teams, so we ask for your patience.”
Del Conte also noted that Hartzell was just beginning his role as president, and was going to meet with student organizations, teachers, and school staff.
Overshown will be a junior. He has made 17 appearances and two starts after playing safety or as a hybrid “joker” on an experienced Texas field. New defensive coordinator Chris Ash spoke this spring about his enthusiasm for getting Overshown out on the field at linebacker in the Longhorns’ new 3-3-5 defensive scheme.
“I love how he runs, I love how he hits,” Ash said. “I think he has great versatility of position, that he could do a lot of different things.”
Associated Press contributed to this report.
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