Utah OL Nick Ford settles the score with Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott

Nick Ford, a starting offensive lineman for the Utes and the outspoken leader of the team regarding the #WeAreUnited movement, spoke with Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott regarding their differences

When Pac-12 players throughout the conference banded together to form the #WeAreUnited leadership committee two weeks ago, the idea was to have representatives for each team in the group.

Nick Ford, a starting offensive lineman for the Utes, was more than happy to assume that role. It's a very similar role he's played within the locker room dynamic already, serving as a leader of the team that when he speaks, EVERYONE listens.

The descion for my teammates to play or not, is their decision. The descion for me to play or not, is mine. I am a spokesperson for the University of Utah athletes who believe in points on the list. I did it to lead those who want to have a voice at this university.

— Nick Ford 🇵🇹 (@NickFord55) August 2, 2020

While serving as a valuable member of the leadership committee, Ford has been outspoken regarding the #WeAreUnited and #WeWantToPlay movements. He's been a catalyst in getting both off the ground and helping establish a college football players union — something the sport desperately needs.

#WeAreUnited - PAC-12 College Athletes Demand Their Fall Eligibility - Sign the Petition! https://t.co/KXzB9SQJAw via @Change

— Nick Ford 🇵🇹 (@NickFord55) August 5, 2020

Throughout the process, Ford has been met with disdain and negativity for being one of the outspoken leaders. But one person he figured he wouldn't have serious issues with was Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott — and that proved wrong.

The #WeAreUnited leadership group held a meeting on August 6 with four conference officials; Scott, Arizona State athletic director Ray Anderson, Utah athletic director Mark Harlan and Pac-12 assistant commissioner Chris Merino, the league’s liaison to student-athlete groups.

Utah’s Nick Ford said coach Kyle Whittingham was asked this week in a team meeting if recent player concerns played a role in the Pac-12 canceling season.

“Coach Whit said, ‘#WeAreUnited' did not affect the decision,” Ford said.

— John Canzano (@johncanzanobft) August 13, 2020

The group, with Ford helping lead the way, made sure that Scott knew they weren't happy regarding that results of Thursday's meeting. In another email they sent out on Friday to Scott and the conference, the players described their feelings as "disappointed" and "deeply concerned."

Ford doubled down on that take a few days ago when on a radio broadcast with KSL Unrivaled...

“I have no respect left for Larry Scott after saying that remark to me which is completely disrespectful and uncalled for in a business-like environment,” Ford said on Tuesday. “I personally don’t think he truly wanted to give us the time of day. It took a while for him to come across to us and then when he finally talked to us, he gave his whole seal and closed for a while. And it didn’t really seem like he addressed what we were talking about unless it was met with, you know, an attitude or a mark.”

But then news dropped yesterday that Scott reached out to Ford to speak with him. According to Ford, the talk went extremely well and reinforced Ford's belief in not only Scott, but the plan the conference has moving forward.

Larry Scott and I just got off the phone to talk about our exchange of words. He made it clear that he is sorry and did not mean to offend any parties involved during the zoom. He has definitely earned my respect back. Look forward to another meeting Commisioner. #WeAreUnited

— Nick Ford 🇵🇹 (@NickFord55) August 13, 2020

Where Ford and the rest of the #WeAreUnited committee goes from here is anybody's guess. But the one thing that's certain is that Ford and the leadership group has the full attention of Scott and have made it clear that they don't pan on going anywhere anytime soon.

Utah’s Nick Ford on the #WeAreUnited movement in the Pac-12: “We will keep fighting for it, and keep fighting for what we believe in.”

cc: @FearThat55

— John Canzano (@johncanzanobft) August 13, 2020

Take the good with the bad. #WeAreUnited ***Please give a read with an open mind*** pic.twitter.com/J9ULdhGwbj

— Nick Ford 🇵🇹 (@NickFord55) August 2, 2020

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