Coach Kenny Thomas’ comment on social media
Head baseball coach Kenny Thomas’ comment about Black Lives Matter on a social media post received mostly negative responses from USC Aiken students.
The social media post featured a sticker with a Black Lives Matter logo on a Clemson football helmet. In response to this post Coach Thomas commented, “It is 100% shameful, I promise you will never see anything like this on my field. I support the Blue and not ashamed to say it!”
An image of his comment on the original post circulated on the USCA Student Life Facebook page Thursday night.
“BLACK LIVES MATTER. USCA DIVERSE OR DIVIDED” was posted numerous students on the page following the surfacing of the image.
Quentin Evans, USCA student stated, “For those who keep missing the point, we understand coach has freedom to speak his opinion, but when he says, ‘I promise you will never see anything like this one my field,’ he stopped speaking for himself.”
Evans continued, “Furthermore, it is insensitive to the black players on his team who support BLM. People must stop making the comparison of Blue Lives Matter and Black Lives Matter. The Blue [sic] wake up every morning and chose that occupation and the adversity that comes with it, and anytime it gets too rough they can take off and leave.”
“We didn’t wake up and choose to be black, we didn’t choose the adversity nor can we lay it down,” he finished.
Students in support of Thomas posted their opinions on the page, addressing all students.
Andrew Stone, a student government senator, expressed his support for the coach in a lengthy post: “As a Christian I believe that every human being is created equally. In my view, Racism is among the worst of sins. To believe you’re better than someone because of your skin color is absolutely ridiculous … Anyone who knows me understands that I will love and respect you, based off the content of your character and not the color of your skin … this quick and misguided attempt to paint Kenny Thomas as a racist is shameful.”
Thomas is considered a “pillar of the community by many,” according to Stone.
“As respectful, intelligent, and open-minded students we should be slow to condemn someone and quick to listen,” he continued.
“As a university, we should seek unity instead of division. I believe the solutions to these sensitive issues can be solved by love, not hate,” Stone finished.
Following his post, Andrew also posted a flyer detailing an event called “I Stand With Coach T” rally at 1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 25 in USCA’s Convocation Center.
Evan Jenkins, senator for humanities and social science majors, posted a comment reaffirming prior posts regarding Stone’s comments.
“Senator Andrew Stone does not speak for SGA nor the senate itself, yet he is speaking on his own personal behalf for his personal reasons,” said Jenkins.
“Human rights are not a matter of opinion,” said Xavier Pierce.
On Sept. 15 the Office of the Chancellor sent out and email to all students, “Dear Students, Words simply cannot express my disappointment of a publicly known university member who last night posted a remark on a personal social media page that seemed to be intolerant of the Black Lives Matter movement. His expression was a personal opinion and does not reflect the values of this university, Pacer athletics, or our community.”
“It is not the proper role of the university to attempt to shield individuals from ideas and opinions they find unwelcome, disagreeable, or even deeply offensive,” Jordan continued.
Jordan assured students that “The university is taking appropriate personnel action with this matter. The posted remarks stand in sharp contrast with the work being done in offices across this university by men and women who are committed to diversity, inclusion, belonging, and equality”
The Student Government Association is hosting a meeting Wednesday Sept. 23 at 7:30 p.m. in room 103 in the Humanities and Social Sciences building. There is no specific agenda for the meeting, but SGA will be discussing Andrew Stone’s action and Coach Kenny Thomas issues.
