#StandWithKSU: Overwhelming Support Pours in For Hoops Team
11/20/2016 5:38:00 PM | Men's Basketball
KENT, Ohio – The Kent State University men's basketball team's decision to bring fans of all races and backgrounds to join them during the national anthem has received a tremendous amount of praise and attention.
The display of unity has been seen on ESPN, Fox News and several other national news outlets around the country. Many have reached out to the team and university to let us know how they felt about the team's decision and what it meant to them.
Those who have praised the team include NCAA President Mark Emmert, who reached out to make sure we knew how impressed he was. "What a perfect answer to all the anxiety and concern in the country right now. And such a strong statement about the values of your program. Great stuff."
Joining Emmert in praise of the team was Ohio Governor John Kasich:
Great to see Ohioans coming together to build community and honor our country. @KentStAthletics https://t.co/8st1I0XLf6
— John Kasich (@JohnKasich) November 17, 2016
The emails and messages the department has received since Wednesday have come in droves. The amount of support has been overwhelming, and for that, the program thanks everyone who took the time to write us. Below are examples of the messages we have received:
"I applaud your school and it's basketball team for the way it decided to unite this country. It was the best story I've seen in the news for some time. Those players and coaches deserve a standing ovation!"
"My husband and I are long-ago graduates of Kent State University. I have often been proud of my alma mater, but when I saw our basketball team standing during the national anthem along with chosen members of the crowd to show patriotism and inclusion I have to say I got a little choked up. The young men who wanted to do that and the coaches that supported them deserve kudos all around. These days when some seem to want to divide us further, it was reassuring to see young people exhibit such maturity, sending a message we all could learn from."
"Seeing those young men stand as they did for the anthem gave me the biggest goose bumps. Even simple gestures like this make me more proud to be an American. You should be very proud of your athletes!! What a great representation of your university!"
"Ours hearts are moved beyond words. Tears are filling our eyes as we read about the actions of your basketball team! In this time of confusion and hurt, the simple but oh so brave act to do something positive means more that words can express!"
"So proud to be an American tonight after seeing what your men's basketball team did with the National Anthem. Lots of love coming to you from Philadelphia, PA. What a great moment!"
"As a 10 year season ticket holder for Rutgers football & wrestling and an all-around "sports fan" I am writing to let you know I am now a Kent State fan in any sport your teams compete in. Way to go Golden Flashes!"
"To the Classy Bunch of the Men's B-Ball team; Thank-you for choosing to be leaders, peacemakers and gentlemen in your show of solidarity during your national anthem recently. People like you are what made America one of the greatest nations in the world and it is people like you who will keep it that way. You made a difference to many: to all those whom you invited to stand with you, to those in the gym who watched, and to people like me who saw it via the news/social media. Thank-you for that example. Way to go! I think I might have a new favorite basketball team."
"I extend both congratulations and gratitude to the Kent State basketball team for representing the best of the American spirit."
"I am a 1989 alum. Elementary education major. My daughter is currently a Junior on the softball team there. I just read a recent yahoo news story about your team's national anthem stance. I can't even express in words how proud I am of your boys, your program, and Kent State University as a whole."
"I am a 66 year old man and when I read what your basketball team did before the game it brought tears to my eyes and found respect for the youth of today. They are fine young men and the rest of the planet could learn a lesson from them. My deepest thanks for the bright spot in my day."
"Very nice gesture inviting fans to join the team on the court for the playing of the Anthem! Classy. I like it."
"I really appreciate how your men's team just showed us all how we can make a statement without disrespect. Thank your basketball seniors for been thoughtful leaders."
"It brings tears of warmth and happiness to my eyes to know how the students care and respect our nation. This is an example to all; young and old."
"This terrific group of young men has shown me that I should be hopeful. I have never been more proud to be a Golden Flash."
By now I hope the whole world knows what the Kent State University basketball team did this weekend and even more I hope their gesture spreads. I am a 1972 University of Dayton grad. I remember practicing before the Kent State game (and Jack Lambert) so I have no particular love for Kent State but you guys got this one right in a big way. Congratulations on your fine young men! May they continue to set an example for their university and the world.
Kent State University athletics and the men's basketball program appreciates everyone who reached out this past week. Moving forward, the seniors have announced that they will continue this practice at home games this season. To show support for their efforts, use the hashtag #StandWithKSU and see your tweet below:
