Lincoln Riley Offers Powerful Commitment Amidst Social Unrest
By Michael Luciano
Amid days of protests following the death of George Floyd, Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley came out with another eye-catching statement as he threw his support behind those fighting for justice.
Riley once again claimed he will always stand behind his players, adding that he is "committed to being part of the change" as he tries to find some way to combat police brutality.
I ALWAYS stand with my players and I am thankful that I was raised in a home that taught me that no human, regardless of race, religion,
— Lincoln Riley (@LincolnRiley) May 31, 2020
or any other factor...should ever be treated differently...we have a long ways to go as a society- I am committed to being a part of the change
Riley has not only declared that he himself needs to do his part to foster change, but he was one of the first coaches to preach safety over the need for football in the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic.
Not only is Riley an offensive savant, but he has been a shining example of leadership that every Sooner can look up to, which is much more impactful than anything he'll do on the football field.
For everyone who said Riley was being too quiet, this is exactly the response I expected from a coach who has been thoughtful about Covid-19 from day one. Most caring coach in the game.
— AttackoftheMuffins (@RileysOffense) May 31, 2020
In the mass commercialization of college football, we often forget that head coaches who mold young men into leaders on the field and in their community are more "successful" than the coach who wins his conference every year. Sooner fans should be unbelievably proud they landed Riley as their head coach.