Breaking news
The University of Texas says it is making major changes to its campus to “promote diversity, inclusion, and equity,” including renaming its soccer field after two of its best athletes, who are black.
Joe Jamail Field – at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium – to be renamed Earl Campbell–Ricky williams Field, after the two Heisman Trophy winners.
According to the school, the name change occurred at the request of the Jamail family.
There is nothing controversial about Jamail that we know of: He was a wealthy UT student who donated a ton of money to the University and was honored by naming the field after him in 1997. He passed away in 2015 at the age of 90.
Ricky released a statement on the honor … saying, “Earl and I are honored to be part of the momentum of change that is sweeping our alma mater, the University of Texas, the nation and the world.”
He added: “We recognize that naming Campbell / Williams Field is a historic moment and we urge our nation’s universities to continue to reflect and revise the history, symbolism, and dentures we place on monuments, public institutions, and sports organizations.”
Campbell also spoke, saying: “The symbolism of this honor transcends the recognition of the Heisman Trophies we received.”
“It extends to all students, but specifically to black athletes, who continue to work to define our collective motto ‘Win with integrity.’ Ricky and I are humbled by this honor.”
Of course, Ricky Williams was a MONSTER during his time in Texas, winning the Heisman in 1998 after one of the best seasons in history, rushing for more than 2,300 yards and 29 touchdowns.
Campbell was also a beast: Heisman won in 1977 when he sued for 1,744 and 18 touchdowns.
There’s more … UT says it will also erect a statue at the DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium in Julius Whittier, the Longhorns’ first black football player.
The school also announced several changes to “promote diversity, inclusion and equity” at the university … which are things that Longhorns soccer players have been asking for for months.
Remember linebacker DeMarvion Overshown He started a boycott of soccer practice just a few days ago because he believed the school was taking too long to implement changes.
It’s unclear if that boycott will end now … but he did tweet after UT’s announcement, “We are one!”
