Yahoo: Big Ten and commissioner Kevin Warren to form anti-racism and anti-hate task force

[BleedGopher]

per Yahoo:

Big Ten commissioner Kevin Warren announced the creation of an anti-racism and anti-hate task force on Monday as protests in the wake of George Floyd’s killing continued.

Warren succeeded Jim Delaney as the conference’s commissioner in 2019 and became the first black commissioner to lead any of the Power Five college conferences. He also came to the Big Ten from the Minnesota Vikings.

In an open letter, Warren said that Floyd’s death “cannot be in vain.”

Big Ten and commissioner Kevin Warren to form anti-racism and anti-hate task force

Warren, who was named Big Ten commissioner in 2019, became the first black Power Five conference commissioner.

sports.yahoo.com

Go Gophers!!

 

[A_Slab_of_Bacon]

It's a nice seimtement but um ... what are these folks going to "do"?

 

[paulser21]

It's a nice seimtement but um ... what are these folks going to "do"?

Kind of wondering the same thing.

 

[MNVCGUY]

Honestly, the biggest thing a task force like this could do would be to figure out how to translate the dynamics of a football team to society as a whole.

Now I am not trying to imply that there is complete racial harmony within a football program like the U of M but it is a whole lot closer within the walls of the football program then it is in society at large.

At the U we have 125 young men from all walks of life living and working together. All striving towards a common goal. Black, White, Rich, Poor, raised in the inner cities, to raised on the farm and everything inbetween. They have their differences and there will be some conflicts but at the end of the day they are all striving towards the same end and have to figure out how to coexist to make it work.

Society as a whole could learn a lot from the football locker room.

 

[TNGophfan]

Honestly, the biggest thing a task force like this could do would be to figure out how to translate the dynamics of a football team to society as a whole.

Now I am not trying to imply that there is complete racial harmony within a football program like the U of M but it is a whole lot closer within the walls of the football program then it is in society at large.

At the U we have 125 young men from all walks of life living and working together. All striving towards a common goal. Black, White, Rich, Poor, raised in the inner cities, to raised on the farm and everything inbetween. They have their differences and there will be some conflicts but at the end of the day they are all striving towards the same end and have to figure out how to coexist to make it work.

Society as a whole could learn a lot from the football locker room.

Well said.

 

[LesBolstad]

Their first task should be to figure out a way to play football this fall. I think we are going to pretty damn good again! #RTB

 

[WriterGoph]

Their first task should be to figure out a way to play football this fall. I think we are going to pretty damn good again! #RTB

As much as it appears you probably don't want it to be true, what's going on nationwide in America right now easily is a much higher priority than football. Thankfully, I think the majority of people realize that.

 

[MRJ]

As much as it appears you probably don't want it to be true, what's going on nationwide in America right now, easily is a much higher priority in football. Thankfully, I think the majority of people realize that.

Yeah, not sure what the point of the preceding statement actually was. And here's a radical thought, maybe we can do both at the same time? What a concept!

 

[Jeshurun]

Yeah, not sure what the point of the preceding statement actually was. And here's a radical thought, maybe we can do both at the same time? What a concept!

I hope there’s an America left to play football in.

 

[Word]

I hope there’s an America left to play football in.

Seriously? The world is not ending. Maybe this is an unfortunate event that actually spurs real change and progress.

 

[WriterGoph]

Somehow there is a population of people who either don't believe or don't want to acknowledge that plenty of racism still exists in America. It's that group that seems to express issues with initiatives like this one from Kevin Warren and just the peaceful protests in general.

 

[MRJ]

Somehow there is a population of people who either don't believe or don't want to acknowledge that plenty of racism still exists in America. It's that group that seems to express issues with initiatives like this one from Kevin Warren and just the peaceful protests in general.

There is definitely a subset of Americans who also don't want to really know or understand those that play football, basketball or other sports. All they want is for these athletes to play their sport and then shut up.

I've stated this before, but too many people view athletes as only that. They don't want to really hear about their stories, their backgrounds or their struggles. All they want is to see them score touchdowns, baskets or whatever and then be out of sight, out of mind. I work closely with a lot of college level athletes and one of the most insightful quotes I've ever heard from a coach is "Our sport is what we do, not who we are."

I'm sincerely hoping more people will embrace that view through initiatives like this one.

 

[A_Slab_of_Bacon]

As much as it appears you probably don't want it to be true, what's going on nationwide in America right now easily is a much higher priority than football. Thankfully, I think the majority of people realize that.

I want football this fall...


I'M SPARTACUS!!!

 

[hungan1]

PJ Fleck's narrative is reverberating very clearly. I wish they can use a wand and magically have clones of PJ Fleck everywhere.

The message of empathy and sympathy and unlearning all the biases that you have inculcated growing up in your own individual family background and communities. Finding and focusing on all that is good in people. It applies to all races.

The Big Ten can learn from what is happening with Gopher Football.

 

[MRJ]

PJ Fleck's narrative is reverberating very clearly. I wish they can use a wand and magically have clones of PJ Fleck everywhere.

The message of empathy and sympathy and unlearning all the biases that you have inculcated growing up in your own individual family background and communities. Finding and focusing on all that is good in people. It applies to all races.

The Big Ten can learn from what is happening with Gopher Football.

Agree. It's one of the things P.J. talked about on First Take the other day. I don't remember the exact phrasing, but he made a point of emphasizing Gopher football is about more than just football. It's a community that seeks to better itself on all levels and nothing is more important than the kids as human beings. It's a philosophy I completely support.

 

[Crosby]

The initiative has a noble goal. I 100% agree that we should be striving for equality for all. That fits in the "duh" category as it should go without saying. But... my guess is that it will not lead to real change. Why? Because it will likely result in more classroom training, devoted to educating white guys on how they are the cause of all issues related to race. That approach has been tried for decades and it has gotten us nowhere. From my perspective, "meaningful dialogue" is mostly code for "I will educate you on the appropriate approach. If you disagree with the approach, or the premise of the approach, then you are obviously a racist, and your opinion just serves as proof that you are part of the problem." I have sat through so many diversity training sessions that I have lost count. They are always the same, a pre-scripted curriculum designed from one perspective, with one correct answer. And every participant would rather just sit through it then challenge the speaker. That's because there is no upside for a white guy to challenge it. The fear of being labeled a racist is pervasive and it is powerful. There have been posts here about how many people refuse to acknowledge that racism is a big problem in this country. I will raise my hand and say that I think it doesn't make the top five list. Don't get me wrong. Racism exists. I am sick about George Floyd. It was sickening and justice should absolutely be served. But never, not once, in all these training sessions I have been through has anyone said "why don't you think racism is a big issue?" I am willing to hear other's viewpoints of course. I really love the exchange of ideas. I am absolutely willing to be convinced that I am wrong, or at least I could view it differently. I am absolutely prepared to acknowledge that we all are a product of our own experiences and biases. And I am willing to correct that if it exists in me. But that only comes with a willingness to actually listen to my perspective too. That's what meaningful dialogue does. If we can do that, we might get somewhere, and I'm all in.

 

[hungan1]

Yup. Online classes for sexual harassment - check. Diversity sensitivity training - check... Problem solved. See - we have all the boxes checked. That is how some corporations handle it.

You need to get everyone involved - coaches, staff, players.

I like the HYPRR Culture Way. Learning by doing, by bringing in shining examples like Tony Dungy to give a talk. By having date nights where you teach young kids how to treat women with the respect that they deserve. Teaching leadership by letting players lead. About respecting oneself and others. Teaching the value of hard work. Learning by losing. By having open group discussions about different topics. About hanging and chilling out as a team and having fun like movie night. About the value of giving something back through charitable work and volunteer work. About doing one on one sessions with each player and knowing each one's life experiences. Having a group get together, outings. Individualized counseling and tutoring for those who need them. You need meaningful interactions. Teach them life skills. Leadership, responsibility, unity. These will shape the characters of every player that will last a lifetime. Football skills are the least important in the scheme of things for these kids. It is about learning to enjoy life. Incidentally, that is how a team will upset a highly ranked foe - a team united in purpose and discipline.

 

[highwayman]

Agree. It's one of the things P.J. talked about on First Take the other day. I don't remember the exact phrasing, but he made a point of emphasizing Gopher football is about more than just football. It's a community that seeks to better itself on all levels and nothing is more important than the kids as human beings. It's a philosophy I completely support.

Absolutely. Life is about making yourself better every day, your own personal better. I am not religious, but I do not abhor religion. I am not a gun owner, but I believe in the 2nd Amendment.

You are an individual that lives in a society. Treat yourself and others as such. There are always others that don't play by the rules. You can.

Some look at PJ as a proselytizer. I disagree. He's a football coach and a life coach. I don't believe that every player buys in 100%. But as they say, if you can get the 50% that don't agree with you to buy in 10%, you have implied consent.

I love this guy.

 

[hungan1]

When the Gophers played Nebraska, you can see the contrast in how the players on the Nebraska side looked disengaged and many looking down while on the Gophers side the players were all festive and fully engaged and having fun. I have nothing against Nebraska, but this is the result of life coaching.

Even if you have fifty percent fully buying in and the rest of the players a percentage of that, you have influenced these kids' life positively. Not everyone will be starters. So, you'd expect a little bit of tension there. But, all in all they have a positive experience that most college students will never have.

 

[WriterGoph]

The initiative has a noble goal. I 100% agree that we should be striving for equality for all. That fits in the "duh" category as it should go without saying. But... my guess is that it will not lead to real change. Why? Because it will likely result in more classroom training, devoted to educating white guys on how they are the cause of all issues related to race. That approach has been tried for decades and it has gotten us nowhere. From my perspective, "meaningful dialogue" is mostly code for "I will educate you on the appropriate approach. If you disagree with the approach, or the premise of the approach, then you are obviously a racist, and your opinion just serves as proof that you are part of the problem." I have sat through so many diversity training sessions that I have lost count. They are always the same, a pre-scripted curriculum designed from one perspective, with one correct answer. And every participant would rather just sit through it then challenge the speaker. That's because there is no upside for a white guy to challenge it. The fear of being labeled a racist is pervasive and it is powerful. There have been posts here about how many people refuse to acknowledge that racism is a big problem in this country. I will raise my hand and say that I think it doesn't make the top five list. Don't get me wrong. Racism exists. I am sick about George Floyd. It was sickening and justice should absolutely be served. But never, not once, in all these training sessions I have been through has anyone said "why don't you think racism is a big issue?" I am willing to hear other's viewpoints of course. I really love the exchange of ideas. I am absolutely willing to be convinced that I am wrong, or at least I could view it differently. I am absolutely prepared to acknowledge that we all are a product of our own experiences and biases. And I am willing to correct that if it exists in me. But that only comes with a willingness to actually listen to my perspective too. That's what meaningful dialogue does. If we can do that, we might get somewhere, and I'm all in.

In response to your comments:

(Article is free, btw) https://theathletic.com/1845455/202...rs-at-the-athletic?source=user-shared-article

 

[Crosby]

Good article. Lots I absolutely agree with and lots that I question. Not sure which part of this was directed at my comments. The point of my post was that I am willing to listen, as long as others do the same. I'll cite many examples of my own experiences too. If the point of your post is the part of the article which says something like... "many people say they are willing to listen but they aren't" then I guess there is no point in discussing it. We have no chance for "meaningful dialogue." And that supports the premise in my initial post.

 

[NotAFanOfBecky]

In response to your comments:

(Article is free, btw) https://theathletic.com/1845455/202...rs-at-the-athletic?source=user-shared-article

Really good stuff. Lots to read! I’ve used this opportunity to have candid discussions with my kids. Fortunately we are in a diverse area and they both have many friends of different colors which has helped give them perspective. It’s a good conversation to have with them if you can.

 

[WriterGoph]

Good article. Lots I absolutely agree with and lots that I question. Not sure which part of this was directed at my comments. The point of my post was that I am willing to listen, as long as others do the same. I'll cite many examples of my own experiences too. If the point of your post is the part of the article which says something like... "many people say they are willing to listen but they aren't" then I guess there is no point in discussing it. We have no chance for "meaningful dialogue." And that supports the premise in my initial post.

I just shared it because you said you didn't think racism was in the top 5 problems in the country. I thought reading all these writers experiences was valuable, so I linked it

 

[Crosby]

I just shared it because you said you didn't think racism was in the top 5 problems in the country. I thought reading all these writers experiences was valuable, so I linked it

Got it. Thanks. Good perspective. Appreciate you sharing.

 

[SixBySix]

There have been posts here about how many people refuse to acknowledge that racism is a big problem in this country. I will raise my hand and say that I think it doesn't make the top five list.

I appreciate your openness to discussion, and I've definitely felt like there isn't much room for disagreement in those kinds of settings. But I do also think that you might be taking too narrow a view of the issue.

I have long thought that there is an unfortunate problem of semantics that has become a definite impediment to conversations about race and racism. When I was growing up (90's), "racism" meant active acts of discrimination--e.g. lynching, Jim Crow, refusing service or following a Black or brown person around the store to make sure they're not shoplifting. Those are the kind of things we talked about when learning about "racism". There's a lot less of that now than there used to be, and that's a good thing.

But now there is a growing recognition that those kind of things are just the tip of the iceberg. Where I think confusion arises is that we're still using the term racism to talk about this bigger concept, while lots of folks are still expecting the narrower definition of the past. Growing up food insecure, not having social capital, having a name that is less likely to be offered opportunities, being arrested for crimes that are not enforced against white people (and all of the downstream consequences of that), less access to financial services, being more likely to be displaced by imminent domain, etc. etc. etc. all add up to a SIGNIFICANT inequality: the new definition of racism (Power+Prejudice).

And this is a generational problem--my family is where we are today because my grandparents worked their asses off to leave a better world for their children, and my parents did too. But because they were white, they had the opportunity to do that and a reasonable chance of success. Black and brown families did not have anywhere near that same opportunity in the past, and that echoes into the present. Even if I am not an old-definition "racist", I sure as hell benefit from racism.

Maybe some people out there believe that white people are ten times smarter or harder working than Black people. But the reality is, white people in America had big advantages in the past, have big advantages today, and those differences in opportunity have led to a significant difference in quality of life between people of different races. I don't know what other things are in your "top five", but I think you might rank some things differently if you were on the other side of the fence.

 

[WriterGoph]

I appreciate your openness to discussion, and I've definitely felt like there isn't much room for disagreement in those kinds of settings. But I do also think that you might be taking too narrow a view of the issue.

I have long thought that there is an unfortunate problem of semantics that has become a definite impediment to conversations about race and racism. When I was growing up (90's), "racism" meant active acts of discrimination--e.g. lynching, Jim Crow, refusing service or following a Black or brown person around the store to make sure they're not shoplifting. Those are the kind of things we talked about when learning about "racism". There's a lot less of that now than there used to be, and that's a good thing.

But now there is a growing recognition that those kind of things are just the tip of the iceberg. Where I think confusion arises is that we're still using the term racism to talk about this bigger concept, while lots of folks are still expecting the narrower definition of the past. Growing up food insecure, not having social capital, having a name that is less likely to be offered opportunities, being arrested for crimes that are not enforced against white people (and all of the downstream consequences of that), less access to financial services, being more likely to be displaced by imminent domain, etc. etc. etc. all add up to a SIGNIFICANT inequality: the new definition of racism (Power+Prejudice).

And this is a generational problem--my family is where we are today because my grandparents worked their asses off to leave a better world for their children, and my parents did too. But because they were white, they had the opportunity to do that and a reasonable chance of success. Black and brown families did not have anywhere near that same opportunity in the past, and that echoes into the present. Even if I am not an old-definition "racist", I sure as hell benefit from racism.

Maybe some people out there believe that white people are ten times smarter or harder working than Black people. But the reality is, white people in America had big advantages in the past, have big advantages today, and those differences in opportunity have led to a significant difference in quality of life between people of different races. I don't know what other things are in your "top five", but I think you might rank some things differently if you were on the other side of the fence.

This is an extremely solid post. Very thoughtful and detailed.

Given what I have seen on this board the last few months, I won't be surprised if one of a handful predictable posters replies that "it's not about race, it's about class" (but your graph kind of kills that retort) OR that if "black men would just keep their families together or be a father to their kids we wouldn't have these issues."

But it's just not that simple and it's a really short-sighted response. Like you said, there are generations of things that have happened to get things to this point. Whether that means how much more difficult it is for the average black person in the city to get a quality education or how it's harder for black people to get the same quality job as a white person or the way the justice system has been slanted against people who don't have money to pay for legitimate representation against small-time charges (which led to many more black men having to take plea deals to avoid going to trial with very long sentences at risk).

 

[#2Gopher]

Hope they can put a dent into this problem. Currently there are 12 White Supremacist groups in Minnesota with about 1000 across the U.S. They have done their share of damage everywhere and are a bunch of selfish pricks.

 

[Pompous Elitist]

I appreciate your openness to discussion, and I've definitely felt like there isn't much room for disagreement in those kinds of settings. But I do also think that you might be taking too narrow a view of the issue.

I have long thought that there is an unfortunate problem of semantics that has become a definite impediment to conversations about race and racism. When I was growing up (90's), "racism" meant active acts of discrimination--e.g. lynching, Jim Crow, refusing service or following a Black or brown person around the store to make sure they're not shoplifting. Those are the kind of things we talked about when learning about "racism". There's a lot less of that now than there used to be, and that's a good thing.

But now there is a growing recognition that those kind of things are just the tip of the iceberg. Where I think confusion arises is that we're still using the term racism to talk about this bigger concept, while lots of folks are still expecting the narrower definition of the past. Growing up food insecure, not having social capital, having a name that is less likely to be offered opportunities, being arrested for crimes that are not enforced against white people (and all of the downstream consequences of that), less access to financial services, being more likely to be displaced by imminent domain, etc. etc. etc. all add up to a SIGNIFICANT inequality: the new definition of racism (Power+Prejudice).

And this is a generational problem--my family is where we are today because my grandparents worked their asses off to leave a better world for their children, and my parents did too. But because they were white, they had the opportunity to do that and a reasonable chance of success. Black and brown families did not have anywhere near that same opportunity in the past, and that echoes into the present. Even if I am not an old-definition "racist", I sure as hell benefit from racism.

Maybe some people out there believe that white people are ten times smarter or harder working than Black people. But the reality is, white people in America had big advantages in the past, have big advantages today, and those differences in opportunity have led to a significant difference in quality of life between people of different races. I don't know what other things are in your "top five", but I think you might rank some things differently if you were on the other side of the fence.

And your solution is what. Be specific.

 

[WriterGoph]

And your solution is what. Be specific.

I just want to understand here. Do you have a rule that says that a person who points out the specifics of a problem (in this case the way racism manifests itself today) also has to present a solution? Is it not okay to simply acknowledge a problem? (which, sadly, is more than too many white people are willing to do)

 

[zman]

Given what I have seen on this board the last few months, I won't be surprised if one of a handful predictable posters replies ....that if "black men would just keep their families together or be a father to their kids we wouldn't have these issues."

I like this post because I admit that I have this attitude somewhat, but not completely. I don't agree with the ending of "we wouldn't have these issues". I think if white/privileged/powerful/whatever people would acknowledge the systemic discrimination faced by people of color and if people of color would acknowledge that there is an issue with single parent (usually mother) families in the minority population and the vast amount of color on color crime we might be able to better bridge the divide. But all anyone seems to do is spew their tiring point/counterpoint of racism or lack of personal responsibility.