It started with Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields and Kyle Hill, but now players at the University of Alabama and at least two athletic directors from the Southeastern Conference have joined in the #WeWantToPlay movement for college football this fall.
Hunter Yurachek, Arkansas athletics director
On behalf of the @RazorbackFB team (that includes my son) and each of @ArkRazorbacks student-athletes that I represent, serve, support, care for, fight for and love. #WeWantToPlay
— Hunter Yurachek (@HunterYurachek) August 10, 2020
Ross Bjork, Texas A&M athletics director
Love the work ethic of @AggieFootball Despite the some uncertainty, they continue to stay focused on their craft & passion for the game of football. We are supporting them at the highest level in all facets of their health & safety. #WeWantToPlay pic.twitter.com/d1kzaYjiWu
— Ross Bjork (@RossBjorkAD) August 10, 2020
We have even had a couple of coaches in the conference step up to support the players.
Sam Pittman, Arkansas’ head football coach
The way our student athletes have handled these uncertain times is incredible and our staff is so proud of them. As the Head Coach of @RazorbackFB #WeWantToPlay
— Coach Sam Pittman (@CoachSamPittman) August 10, 2020
Tim Brewster, tight ends’ coach for Florida Gators
#CoachesWantToCoach#PlayersWantToPlay
— Tim Brewster (@TimBrewster) August 10, 2020
One SEC athletics director that has been silent is Greg Byrne.
Student-athletes for the Crimson Tide such as Najee Harris, Seth McLaughlin, Emil Ekiyor Jr., and Evan Neal among others have all joined together in desiring to play football. Without the players, college football means nothing.
— Seth McLaughlin (@Seth_Mc24) August 10, 2020
#WeWantToPlay pic.twitter.com/6kTPmMTR8s
— Najee Harris (@ohthatsNajee22) August 10, 2020
— Emil Ekiyor Jr. (@bigE__18) August 10, 2020
— Evan Neal (@ENeal73) August 9, 2020
While athletic directors, coaches, presidents and chancellors mean something, consumers of the sport do not pay their hard earned monies to see them. Fans attend games, purchase memorabilia and develop a long-lasting relationship with college football because of the players.
Without the athletes, the sport goes bankrupt and there is no market for it at all.
Those in positions of power state how they care about what is in the best interest of the players.
Now, the moment has come to truly be about it.
RELATED: Alabama players join in on #WeWantToPlay movement
The SEC wants to play and Alabama wants to play, so it is time for Byrne to break his silence.
He arrived in 2017 as one of the youngest, innovate administrators in the sport.
Players for the Crimson Tide need the support from Byrne.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
