Univ of South Carolina vs. State Lawmakers-Round 1
Things are heating up in the great state of South Carolina. Not surprisingly, the debate has to do with race. Three years ago, the University of South Carolina made the news when current head coach Steve Spurrier urged state lawmakers to pass legislation that would remove the confederate flag from the statehouse in Columbia, SC. Spurrier claimed that it had a negative impact on the recruitment of black athletes.
Fast forward to 2010. Black legislators are advising black high school recruits to boycott the University of South Carolina because the school may possibly lose its only black trustee. State representative David Weeks (D-Sumter County) is the champion for this cause and is making his stance known to any and every one that will listen. “We are asking young athletes to be aware … there are folks in this state who say it’s fine [for blacks] to play ball but not be on the governing board.” There has even been speculation that several supporters of Mr. Weeks’ cause have taken the initiative to contact several South Carolina recruits asking that they reconsider playing for the school. Considering how big college football is in the Palmetto State, these representatives better think twice if they want to survive their next re-election bids.
Lost amongst this spirited debate is the fact that South Carolina’s lone black trustee, Samuel Foster, was ousted only after being charged with bank fraud, an issue that is still haunting the university. South Carolina attorney Leah Moody filled Foster’s post after his resignation but she will have to be appointed by members of the legislature in April if she is to serve out his full-term. As of now, it does not look as if she’ll have the necessary votes to do so, which is angering black members of the state house.
There are times when certain news stories cause you to shake your head in disbelief, consider this one of those times. Gamecock head coach Steve Spurrier and the South Carolina athletic department haven’t issued any statements on this matter at the time, but we can expect to hear something very soon. This is not what ‘SC needs right now as the SEC East crown will be wide open for the taking this upcoming season.
