Stoops Comments on Protests

Oklahoma Football Head Coach Bob Stoops

March 12, 2015 Comments on Protest

Opening Statement:
“First, I would just like to say how proud I am of our players in the stance that they have taken against racism and just the way that they have gone about it. The guys have been really thoughtful about affecting change. Again, they will have a chance to speak and they have released a statement earlier today just about their willingness to affect change, not only on our campus but across the country. It is their feeling that may not just be in Oklahoma, in fact it is fair to say that it is everywhere. These guys don't want to stand for it anymore. They have images captured and they have acted and reacted to them, I feel in a really strong way, and in a way that they can affect change. I commend (University of Oklahoma) President David Boren for his immediate, strong and swift action. Again, just proud of our players at how they want to affect change around the country.”

On what went in to deciding to do particular demonstrations:
“That was the players' choice, and I support them in every way.”

On why the situation resonates with him:
“Well it resonates with me; it is really hard to talk about. I get choked up almost every time that I do because I know the true nature of these guys and just how wonderful and what beautiful young men they are. I think that through the years in my time at Iowa, here and there, you experience it some, but being with the team, you get to know one another, and that is where the love and respect comes. You know the true nature of someone regardless of their race, their religion, what year they may be and all of it. None of it matters. I know that these guys have a plan moving forward to try to have more integration and to try to make sure that whether it be the Greek community or whatever, that they have the opportunity to get to know them as young men and people, other than just a number on a jersey.”

On if a situation like this can make a team stronger:
“Well hopefully it can make a team stronger. I think this is bigger than practice. The guys have demonstrated that and whether it makes us better or not is irrelevant. This kind of stance is more important than practice. They want to affect change around the country, not just here.”

On the feedback from his colleagues:
“It has been very positive. The people have spoken up at just how proud they are at what we are doing, the stance we are taking and not just sweeping it under the rug. Unfortunately it is caught and it's seen, so these guys had an opportunity and they wanted to react to it in a very strong way and wouldn't feel right if they didn't. This is a very genuine act on their part, and they are doing an excellent job demonstrating that peace and love around the country for races and religions and inclusion for everybody. They are doing a great job at demonstrating that.”

On the reaction from recruits:
“It has been different. Some here lately, more and more are saying that they are very respectful and thankful of the stance that you have taken and the way that you have reacted to it, and if you can affect change then it will be positive.”

On people wondering about the punishments of Joe Mixon versus the students in this case:
“All situations are different, and I think that the president addressed that early today.”

On how they have come together since the video emerged:
“I think that they have done a great job. It has taken a lot of work. These guys here have put in a lot of effort and time to have the right stance and the right message. They have worked through the night and it wasn't just thrown together. These guys put a lot of time into what the message is and how they can affect change, and how they want to go about doing it.”

On if the practice schedules after spring break next week:
“We will work on that when we get back and what these guys are ready to do. I know they are anxious. They are serious about the work on the field as well, but again they will continue to have a stance and have a statement when they return as well.”

On how the video of a player's reaction on social media was addressed:
“That is not to talk about. Who am I, or who is anyone, to address someone's level of reaction to something that could be so hurtful.”

On if the apology has meant anything to the players:
“I don't know. I think that it is fair to say as strong as they feel about it all. I think their main concern is, how far up the chain does this go? Where is this being taught and learned? In their eyes, this is learned behavior and it is learned somewhere. Is it learned at a national level? Is it learned just here? Is it learned around the country? I believe that is a fair question to ask.”