Husker Hoops takes stand on social justice issues
As conversations surrounding social justice issues continue to take center stage in the sports world and beyond, the Nebraska men’s basketball team made sure its collective voice was heard as well.
In an impromptu press conference in front of the Hendricks Center practice facility on Thursday, NU head coach Fred Hoiberg and every Husker player stood to deliver a message in reaction to the shootings and killings involving police officers and members of the African American community.
Each player took the podium one by one, saying simply, “I stand here today for…” and naming a Black person who had been killed or injured by police.
Hoiberg followed his team by saying, "I stand here today for all Black lives."
Two players, senior guard Kobe Webster and junior guard Teddy Allen, read brief speeches highlighting the team’s anger and frustration over the recent incidents
“This is not a political fight. This is about being a decent human being,” Webster said. “Hate is such a strong word that unfortunately is used and acted on in today’s world. We know we’re not going to change everything that is going on by standing here today. The goal for us is to simply make our community and our state stand behind us in not accepting these injustices as OK and turning a blind eye.”
Allen’s speech was even more direct.
“How many more hashtags need to be created by the police for people to start caring?” Allen said. “We cannot only care when it’s convenient. We can not only care when it impacts us directly. Caring about someone else’s life should fall within basic human ideals.
“We are standing here together as black and white people making it clear that we are sickened by the events taking place in our country involving police brutality and systematic injustices toward our black people. We want to play a role in change, and we want you all to join us. No more hashtags. Only change.”
The team then walked back into the practice facility without any further comment. Hoiberg later tweeted further support for his players.
“Proud of these guys. I stand behind them 100%”
Thursday’s statements were the latest example of Nebraska’s willingness to openly discuss difficult issues that are currently discussing, something Hoiberg and his staff have prioritized since arriving in Lincoln.
On this week’s HOL Show, assistant coach Matt Abdelmassih told of how the Huskers having held weekly team yoga sessions this offseason, and how afterward Hoiberg sits down with his team to discuss whatever issues were on their minds.
“We’re constantly talking about what exactly is going on,” Abdelmassih said. “We’re just making sure there’s an open dialog. They ask questions, and the dialog has been so productive…
“If there’s ever anything that comes up, Coach immediately talks with them about it. That has caused an ease in frustration and stress and doubt from our players, and they’ve been phenomenal at focusing on what they can control.”