I read how the Utah State football team approached perceived bias by school president Noelle E. Crockett toward interim head coach Frank Maile. (“State board launches investigation into USU president’s remarks about football coach,” Dec. 16). The team leadership questioned players about their interpretation of comments by Crockett regarding Maile. They held a team vote to forfeit the final game of the season; the team voted unanimously.
I congratulate them for taking a stand against racism and religious persecution. In past months, our nation has seen violent protests in streets, cities burned, and unprovoked attacks on law enforcement, all of which must be condemned. In the case of the Utah State football team, I think there is overwhelming evidence to suggest coach Maile was not considered because of his religious and racial background. I would urge the school board to carefully consider this situation and Noelle’s position as school president.
I do not personally support Black Lives Matter, defunding the police, and kneeling for the national anthem. But one thing that I unequivocally support is every person in this country being given equal treatment and opportunity. I think the school leadership has a moral obligation to the school, the players, the community and Maile to reevaluate the situation.
There are many ways the team and community could have approached this matter. It would be a travesty to not act given the careful, respectful and professional manner in which the team leadership addressed this condition. These young men are setting an example for Americans to follow.
I think the school and community should demonstrate how a positive, effective solution is implemented. Simply looking the other way and apologizing is not the answer. All men and women should be judged by their merits, skills, and abilities — not race or religion.
Jason Raths
Grantsville