In an open letter
posted on Fox Sports today, Brendon Ayanbadejo offered to help the
University of Mississippi's educational outreach on LGBT inclusivity
following reports earlier this week of a mass heckling of a student
production of 'The Laramie Project,' the Moises Kaufman play about the
Matthew Shepard murder. Approximately 20 Ole Miss football players were
involved in the heckling incident, with reports of some calling cast members 'fags.'
Says Ayanbadejo, in part:
The alleged behavior of Ole Miss football
players along with freshmen from other sports and students attending
the play to fulfill some underclassmen requirements is abhorrent and
unacceptable.
I blame the administration as much as I
blame the athletes. This is a graphic play and a graphic production.
People need to have an idea of what they are getting themselves into.
In no way do I condone this behavior but
you need to have a conversation with these athletes when they set foot
on any campus as to what is expected from them as representatives of the
university.
This is why the work of Athlete Ally and
groups like the Gay Straight Alliance, which serves as a bridge for gay
and straight students in high school to form an alliance of inclusivity
and nondiscriminatory behavior is so important.
Unfortunately everyone was not raised with the morality and values to treat all people equally.
A representative of the Ole Miss athletes
allegedly apologized - after being prompted by a member of the school's
academic staff - but many didn't quite understand what they were
apologizing for. [...]
So before Ole Miss is quick to hand down
punishment I would like to see them take a more holistic and proactive
approach in educating students and student athletes alike. All you have
to do is reach out and I will be happy to discuss how I can help you
take the next step."
You can read the full letter HERE.
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