As Protests Come To Columbia, University of South Carolina Leaders Make Their Voices Heard

Athletic director Ray Tanner, Gamecock coaches as well as student-athletes have made it known where they stand as many across the country fights for justice.

As civil unrest continues to sweep the nation following the death of George Floyd at the hands of police, Columbia held a protest of its own downtown on Saturday.

Photo Courtesy of Alex Grant

What started out as peaceful reportedly turned violent as a person seemingly there to instigate and agitate was chased out.

Just talked to @miranda_parnell. She says a person wearing a MAGA hat showed up at the rally, protestors confronted that person & then rocks were thrown ... one of them hitting Miranda. She’s headed to the hospital to be checked out.

Heartfelt thanks for prayers & concern. https://t.co/moOxGMNFjV

— Judi Gatson (@JudiGatson) May 30, 2020

As the city was put on curfew, it’s led to leaders of South Carolina athletics to continue to speak out.

This is Columbia, South Carolina right now. We are living in a police state pic.twitter.com/xYsvZ1IxhT

— //cameron (@camneedstherapy) May 31, 2020

Women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley has been vocal from the beginning and posted a picture from the protest on her page with the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter.

#SCSTANDING #BlackLivesMatters pic.twitter.com/rwK902RQoR

— dawnstaley (@dawnstaley) May 30, 2020

Head football coach Will Muschamp spoke out for the first time Saturday.

Easy to do what is right. #CoachesStandforJustice pic.twitter.com/D1Rt06yJmq

— Will Muschamp (@CoachWMuschamp) May 30, 2020

He posted an image of civil rights activist Martin Luther King and his quote “our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter” over it.

Muschamp added “Easy to do what is right. #CoachesStandforJustice” to the tweet.

We must continue to fight injustice on every level and create a world where future generations will see the fruits of our commitment. https://t.co/Gix01eZHB2

— Ray Tanner (@RayTannerSC) May 30, 2020

South Carolina athletic director Ray Tanner quote tweeted Muschamp’s tweet and said “we must continue to fight injustice on every level and create a world where future generations will see the fruits of our commitment.”

Men's basketball coach Frank Martin shared his reflection on the matter as well. 

This past week has been really tough for me. I have a responsibility to my family, my players, my university and my community. I’ve had deep discussions with people from every group. Here is where me, my family stand #GeorgeFloyd #StandUp4HumanRights #BeHeardMakeAction pic.twitter.com/TWam0rEXeU

— Frank Martin (@coachFMartin) May 31, 2020

Student athletes have been speaking out as well. USC quarterback Ryan Hilinski appeared to have attended the protest as he said “I can’t stand by and watch my brothers and sisters go through the unthinkable.”

The injustice in our world right now is clear. The hate can no longer be overlooked... I can’t stand by and watch my brothers and sisters go through the unthinkable. A shift in people’s hearts and minds must occur in the world. Whatever that shift may be, needs to happen now!

— Ryan Hilinski (@ryan_hilinski) May 30, 2020

Going to speak for those that are silenced! Words are a start, action is the finish. I can’t imagine standing in the shoes of my fellow brothers and sisters that go through this injustice. I will do whatever I can, to help build a brighter future. One love, together. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/HYcj7xwNP2

— Ryan Hilinski (@ryan_hilinski) May 30, 2020

Laeticia Amihere, forward on the women’s basketball team explained the purpose of her Twitter handle @_Theblackqueen.

For years many people have tried to get me to change my username Theblackqueen for fear of how it may be portrayed. I have been raised to be proud of my roots and who I am as a black woman. We continue to fight together #BlackLivesMatters #wearequeens #wearekings treat us as such

— Laeticia Amihere (@_Theblackqueen_) May 30, 2020