As SEC football season opens, expect shows of unity but no anthem protests on field

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The SEC opens its football season Saturday after a three-week delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic and an offseason that has seen many SEC players speaking out against social injustice, racial inequality and police brutality.

, including for its 10-game conference-only football season, two SEC athletic directors told USA TODAY Network.

Protests during the national anthem have increased across professional sports, expanding from the NFL into MLB, the NBA and NHL. Unlike the NFL, most college football teams have remained in the locker room during the national anthem in past seasons.“We decided to leave the national anthem protocol as it is for each of our sports,” Arkansas athletic director Hunter Yurachek said. “A sport like football that’s always been in the locker room will continue to be in the locker room.

Some schools will alter pregame processes due to the pandemic. LSU and South Carolina will not have a solo performer sing the national anthem, but instead will have the band perform.Lee said Vanderbilt had internal conversations with players about how they want to express their views during the season.Players can choose between 15 messages of social injustice or special causes to display on the sweat plate, located on the bottom back of the helmet.

“We’ll all be wearing equality patches on our jersey,” Arkansas coach Sam Pittman said. “We’ve all decided that’s what we want to do and we’re certainly excited about that situation that the guys can have a voice and wear a patch.”, who play Saturday, to have a show of unity between the teams prior to kickoff.

No. 6 Florida and Ole Miss also have a plan. First-year Rebels coach Lane Kiffin said both teams are “on the same page,” but did not offer specifics.

 

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Covid-19 LOVES this...... stupid decision.

No one cares.

Welcome to the broadcast

Yes covid is back

Seriously, respect the country or go somewhere you think it'll be better. We don't need your whiney, hateful, racist rhetoric here.

Let's play, America needs to be entertained on the backs of players that the NFL needs desperately. Get your reward.

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