Maybe OT, maybe not: I'm just going to put this on the table for your consideration:

[chick75]

Steve Spurrier’s 2007 comments on Confederate flag worth revisiting
Posted by Kevin McGuire on June 20, 2015, 4:10 PM EDT

In 2006, South Carolina hosted Tennessee in a game that was visited by ESPN’s weekly pregame show, College GameDay. As is regularly the case, fans came to hold up posters and wave flags in the background of the GameDay set, but one flag drew the ire of South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier.

The Confederate flag.

“(It) was embarrassing to me and I know embarrassing to our state,” Spurrier would later be on record of saying. Despite being the visionary he can be, surely Spurrier had few expectations his quotes about the Confederate flag would be resurfacing in South Carolina roughly eight years later.

The recent mass shooting in Charleston, South Carolina has done just that after a terrorist opened fire and killed nine inside the historic Emmanuel Baptist Church in Charleston. In response to the mass shooting, the Confederate flag on the grounds of the statehouse in Columbia was not lowered to half-staff like other flags. According to NBC News, it can’t be changed in any way without a sign-off from the General Assembly. Considering the history the flag still represents to this day for so many, it has become a symbol of the racial tension that continues to exist in our nation. And with the amount of coverage devoted to racial tension in recent years, not lowering the Confederate flag has become even more of a sticking point in the days after the tragedy in Charleston.

Which brings us back to Spurrier’s 2007 comments. Spurrier knows he is a football coach, and his job is to promote the Gamecocks football program as well as the University of South Carolina. And he does believe there is a political barrier he should probably ignore for the most part, but this is why his comments on the flag should be remembered. Spurrier may not think it is right to get involved in political issues, but this is more about human decency and civil rights than it is strictly politics. Also, when Spurrier speaks, people listen.

“I realize I’m not supposed to get in the political arena as a football coach, but if anybody were ever to ask me about that damn Confederate flag, I would say we need to get rid of it. I’ve been told not to talk about that. But if anyone were ever to ask me about it, I certainly wish we could get rid of it.”

Coaches should never be afraid to get involved in political conversation or real-world topics. Regardless on where they happen to stand on certain issues, college football coaches have a powerful voice in our communities, and the messages they send tend to resonate on a level politicians can not reach. Speaking out for what they believe can be good for open discussion on important issues, and in South Carolina the topic of the Confederate flag is a good one to continue discussing.

“My opinion is we don’t need the Confederate flag at our Capitol,” Spurrier said in 2007. “I don’t really know anybody that wants it there, but I guess there are a lot of South Carolinians that do want it there.”

Spurrier gets it. He knows some people see the flag one way while others see it another way. Ultimately, like a statue, a flag is given meaning by the people. Not everybody will view a flag or a statue in the same regard, and perhaps they never will. But if Spurrier or anyone else wants to share their opinions on such manners, we should be willing to listen.

Helmet sticker to SB Nation for digging up those old Spurrier quotes.

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Permalink 26 Comments Latest Stories in: Rumor Mill, South Carolina Gamecocks, Southeastern Conference, Top Posts

 

[chick75]

And behave yourselves. Pretend your grandmother is watching you post.

 

[G-C-Gamecock]

Let's get rid of it so hundreds of years of racial bigotry will just dissipate. Racism and bigotry exists because people choose to be racists and bigots, not because a piece of cloth flies or doesn't fly. Ignorant people will exist regardless of where that flag resides.

 

[chick75]

I would agree if I thought it to be ignorance, but I don't believe bigots and racists are ignorant. "Ignorant" means "unaware, unlearned, lacking knowledge." I think they are more than aware, and I don't think they are stupid or lack knowledge, as this most recent killer has shown us. But that's just my humble opinion.

 

[jonesz21]

I'm fine with getting rid of the flag but we should get rid of welfare too. People have a lot less time to complain when they actually work 10-12 hrs a day. Seem to get alone with folks better too

 

[jimnasium]

Stick to coaching SOS. Remember SOS is not from SC.

 

[chick75]

I'm fine with getting rid of the flag but we should get rid of welfare too. People have a lot less time to complain when they actually work 10-12 hrs a day. Seem to get alone with folks better too

One has nothing to do with the other, but again... just my humble opinion.

 

[chick75]

Stick to coaching SOS. Remember SOS is not from SC.

But he is from the South and lives now in SC where he plies his trade. I'm sure he also pays taxes here, probably votes here, contributes to our community. I think he has a right to weigh in, as much as you and I.

 

[Cola G'Cock]

Steve Spurrier’s 2007 comments on Confederate flag worth revisiting
Posted by Kevin McGuire on June 20, 2015, 4:10 PM EDT

In 2006, South Carolina hosted Tennessee in a game that was visited by ESPN’s weekly pregame show, College GameDay. As is regularly the case, fans came to hold up posters and wave flags in the background of the GameDay set, but one flag drew the ire of South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier.

The Confederate flag.

“(It) was embarrassing to me and I know embarrassing to our state,” Spurrier would later be on record of saying. Despite being the visionary he can be, surely Spurrier had few expectations his quotes about the Confederate flag would be resurfacing in South Carolina roughly eight years later.

The recent mass shooting in Charleston, South Carolina has done just that after a terrorist opened fire and killed nine inside the historic Emmanuel Baptist Church in Charleston. In response to the mass shooting, the Confederate flag on the grounds of the statehouse in Columbia was not lowered to half-staff like other flags. According to NBC News, it can’t be changed in any way without a sign-off from the General Assembly. Considering the history the flag still represents to this day for so many, it has become a symbol of the racial tension that continues to exist in our nation. And with the amount of coverage devoted to racial tension in recent years, not lowering the Confederate flag has become even more of a sticking point in the days after the tragedy in Charleston.

Which brings us back to Spurrier’s 2007 comments. Spurrier knows he is a football coach, and his job is to promote the Gamecocks football program as well as the University of South Carolina. And he does believe there is a political barrier he should probably ignore for the most part, but this is why his comments on the flag should be remembered. Spurrier may not think it is right to get involved in political issues, but this is more about human decency and civil rights than it is strictly politics. Also, when Spurrier speaks, people listen.

“I realize I’m not supposed to get in the political arena as a football coach, but if anybody were ever to ask me about that damn Confederate flag, I would say we need to get rid of it. I’ve been told not to talk about that. But if anyone were ever to ask me about it, I certainly wish we could get rid of it.”

Coaches should never be afraid to get involved in political conversation or real-world topics. Regardless on where they happen to stand on certain issues, college football coaches have a powerful voice in our communities, and the messages they send tend to resonate on a level politicians can not reach. Speaking out for what they believe can be good for open discussion on important issues, and in South Carolina the topic of the Confederate flag is a good one to continue discussing.

“My opinion is we don’t need the Confederate flag at our Capitol,” Spurrier said in 2007. “I don’t really know anybody that wants it there, but I guess there are a lot of South Carolinians that do want it there.”

Spurrier gets it. He knows some people see the flag one way while others see it another way. Ultimately, like a statue, a flag is given meaning by the people. Not everybody will view a flag or a statue in the same regard, and perhaps they never will. But if Spurrier or anyone else wants to share their opinions on such manners, we should be willing to listen.

Helmet sticker to SB Nation for digging up those old Spurrier quotes.

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Permalink 26 Comments Latest Stories in: Rumor Mill, South Carolina Gamecocks, Southeastern Conference, Top Posts

This belongs on Small Talk!

 

[jimnasium]

When a university football coach comments on politics or religion he is opening himself up to get the Dabo treatment. Yes he pays taxes, and yes he lives in the state as we all do but opening a can of worms on the flag is not in a coaches job description and should carry a no comment answer. Take the flag down or leave it up and I'll still sleep well. If we polled the State of SC I would bet most can't tell you which flags fly on the State House grounds it's just a political football,

 

[jimnasium]

This belongs on Small Talk!

I hate it when someone says this.

 

[chick75]

When a university football coach comments on politics or religion he is opening himself up to get the Dabo treatment. Yes he pays taxes, and yes he lives in the state as we all do but opening a can of worms on the flag is not in a coaches job description and should carry a no comment answer. Take the flag down or leave it up and I'll still sleep well. If we polled the State of SC I would bet most can't tell you which flags fly on the State House grounds it's just a political football,

Maybe 8 years ago. But other than that, "No comment."

 

[chick75]

This belongs on Small Talk!

I'm not quite sure where that is... I did put "OT... or maybe not." Thought that would cover the people who might not want to deal with it. Enjoy your evening.

 

[NC Garnet & Black]

I'm not quite sure where that is... I did put "OT... or maybe not." Thought that would cover the people who might not want to deal with it. Enjoy your evening.

I'm fine with getting rid of the flag but we should get rid of welfare too. People have a lot less time to complain when they actually work 10-12 hrs a day. Seem to get alone with folks better too

Wow. What an ignorant response. Take this trash comment along with this thread to small talk please

 

[searooster]

Stick to coaching SOS. Remember SOS is not from SC.

If the symbol of your heritage is offensive to 40% of the state's population, you've got no business flying it anywhere on the state capital grounds. No one is suggesting you can't fly it from your porch or display it on your vehicle or any private property, but there's absolutely no moral justification for flying it on public property.

For a state that prides itself on good manners, it doesn't make sense to be so insensitive to a significant percentage of our citizenry.

 

[Cola G'Cock]

I'm not quite sure where that is... I did put "OT... or maybe not." Thought that would cover the people who might not want to deal with it. Enjoy your evening.

If you think you may have to put "OT" before the thread, it belongs on Small Talk.

 

[Tallacock]

It is very simple to resolve however the legislature does not have the guts to do it. There is a confederate museum not far from the State House. It has a very large flag pole with nothing flying from it. Put it there and let it fly. if it is all about heritage, the museum displays memories and heritage there. no better location for the flag.

 

[lazenge44]

Just a matter of time before the pressure to remove the flag builds to a point that it will happen.

Jeb and Mitt have commented. Next up, Lindsey Graham.

 

[gamecock_07]

Wow. What an ignorant response. Take this trash comment along with this thread to small talk please

so you enjoy paying for other people's mistakes? Welfare benefits have spiraled out of control from what it should be to a full time job for people. Can't afford baby #1, have baby #2.

 

[chick75]

If you think you may have to put "OT" before the thread, it belongs on Small Talk.

But you didn't have to read it. I imagine some just wanted it on Small Talk because they don't agree with it. And, after all, it was about Spurrier. I thought he was FGF material.

 

[chick75]

Wow. What an ignorant response. Take this trash comment along with this thread to small talk please

Ignorant? I am quite aware of what he was saying: he simply disagrees, which is fine. Have a good Father's Day.

 

[conCOCKshon]

Stick to coaching SOS. Remember SOS is not from SC.

Another incredibly stupid and ignorant post from this guy. The man is from TN. He's every bit as southern as you. And, just like you he's entitled to his opinion. I happen to agree that it's an issue for South Carolinians to decide, but SOS is a South Carolinian. I'll bet he and his family pay more taxes and have done far more for the state than you.

 

[Cola G'Cock]

But you didn't have to read it. I imagine some just wanted it on Small Talk because they don't agree with it. And, after all, it was about Spurrier. I thought he was FGF material.

No, I respect the rules of this forum. This is for sports topics and Small Talk is for non-sports topics. Very simple.

 

[superflyby]

Are we actually proud that our forefathers died in a war to extend slavery ? Is our heritage something that we can look at and say, "I feel good about what we did then." ? There were a lot of fathers, sons, brothers and husbands didn't get to spend any more time with their families because they died fighting for an inhumane cause. It would be much like Germany flying a Nazi flag to celebrate their heritage. It was a dark period and the flag should not be flown in a place of honor nor should it be celebrated. I could see the reaction if Germany celebrated a "Nazi Day" for it's people or flew that flag from it's capital. It is not one bit different....This on Father's Day after a mass racial killing ???? We are better than this....

 

[gamecock_07]

No, I respect the rules of this forum. This is for sports topics and Small Talk is for non-sports topics. Very simple.

did you speak up on the tv antenna thread? how about the roads thread? there is also a Charleston thread a few lines down.

I dont have a problem with following the rules but don't take a holier than thou stance on some things but not others.

 

[Cola G'Cock]

did you speak up on the tv antenna thread? how about the roads thread? there is also a Charleston thread a few lines down.

I dont have a problem with following the rules but don't take a holier than thou stance on some things but not others.

I did not see those threads but feel the same way about them.

I am not taking a holier than though stance on this. I just think the rules should be followed. Why would anyone think otherwise?

 

[gamecock_07]

I did not see those threads but feel the same way about them.

I am not taking a holier than though stance on this. I just think the rules should be followed. Why would anyone think otherwise?

You kinda are on the following the rules business. And how did you miss those other threads, they were multipage and discussed for days?

Just seemed like this touched a political nerver with you and you decided to speak up.

 

[GatorlandGamecock]

Leave it up or take it down, it will not make a difference in the fact that there will still be racists and bigots on both sides of the argument. It is a sad situation that may never get corrected. Maybe one day we will all have to fly another flag anyway, depending on the current course of this country.

 

[Cola G'Cock]

You kinda are on the following the rules business. And how did you miss those other threads, they were multipage and discussed for days?

Just seemed like this touched a political nerver with you and you decided to speak up.

Yes, that is why it belongs on Small Talk just like any other non-sports related topics.

 

[Bongsummers]

Time to join the 21st century. There's a museum down the road where it can fly or sit in a glass case.

 

[Anna_Nimmitty]

And behave yourselves. Pretend your grandmother is watching you post.

Okee Dohkee MawMaw.

 

[Bongsummers]

So, let me get this straight. You read this kid's manifesto and heard his quotes and determined that he's well informed? Yeah, um, that's interesting. You might want to keep that to yourself.

 

[Anna_Nimmitty]

I did not see those threads but feel the same way about them.

I am not taking a holier than though stance on this. I just think the rules should be followed. Why would anyone think otherwise?

 

[vacock#]

No, I respect the rules of this forum. This is for sports topics and Small Talk is for non-sports topics. Very simple.

You may think it is simple but your definition is wrong since it left out other forums. Here's the simple explanation:

"GamecockCentral.com's Small Talk is a free message board to discuss controversial non-sports topics such as politics and religion."

"GamecockCentral.com's Locker Room is a free message board to discuss non-controversial topics such as movies, music, television, food, etc. It's a place for Gamecock fans to have fun and gather information."

Too bad some of the moderators forget that.

 

[chick75]

So, let me get this straight. You read this kid's manifesto and heard his quotes and determined that he's well informed? Yeah, um, that's interesting. You might want to keep that to yourself.

Actually, he is informed in what he selected to be informed in. I have taught many students like this, and they will learn what is important to them. That's what he did. Did he inform himself of both sides? Of course not. That would have defeated his purpose. But how many people in this world do just that? Stick to one side and don't learn anything about the other side, but, buddy, they learn what they need to learn to justify their means, in this case evil means. I read a good bit about him on many sites, that is, what is known at this point as far as anecdotal evidence. Unlike many young men his age, he drilled down into a good bit of history, selective though it may have been. Look at the different places he went to for the pictures. Some of it may have been happenstance, though. You can't throw a rock in Charleston without hitting history. But, yeah, I think he was pretty well informed. Sorry you disagree.

 

[uscfootfan]

As a Charleston native now living in Virginia, I agree with Chick 75. If the people of SC are truly sorry for what happened and want to demonstrate their compassion, then bring pressure on the legislature to move the flag to the Confederate museum down the street. Actions speak louder than words.

 

[jimnasium]

Another incredibly stupid and ignorant post from this guy. The man is from TN. He's every bit as southern as you. And, just like you he's entitled to his opinion. I happen to agree that it's an issue for South Carolinians to decide, but SOS is a South Carolinian. I'll bet he and his family pay more taxes and have done far more for the state than you.

The typical liberal response from you. Anyone who disagrees with people like you is stupid...lol. SOS is entitled to HIS view but to you mine is stupid?.....you kill me. Never let a mass killing go to waste right? Use it to bring up the flag or gun control like Obama did. This murderer also has pics on his facebook page burning the American flag you want to pull that flag too? Christians being beheaded for their views and beliefs and we're worried about a flag.

 

[Bongsummers]

Sorry, I didn't want to have a semantic argument about constitutes ignorance. I read what he wrote and came away thinking, "wow, that kid is a gullible moron."

 

[Bongsummers]

That's some powerful commentary, hoss. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Cola G'Cock]

Sure, and sports should be with sports and politics with politics.