Photo courtesy Redbird Athletics
NORMAL, Ill. – Redbird athletes and coaches took to social media to express their frustrations over a statement made by ISU Athletic Director Larry Lyons. Lyons is quoted saying, “All Redbird Lives Matter.”
The statement was taken as a play on words from the Black Lives Matter Movement’s opposition “All Lives Matter” by several athletes and coaches.
Mary Wood, Track & Field Associate Head Coach, spoke out against the statement on social media.
The movement is BLACK LIVES MATTER. The statement “All Redbird Lives Matters” is insensitive and frankly one that attempts to drown the movement. This is in#BLM #BreonnaTaylor #JacobBlake #GeorgeFloyd #toomanymore #SayTheirNames
— Mary Wood (@MaryKWood11) August 27, 2020
Multiple coaches showed support towards athletes stating they stood with them. Track and field athlete Mya Robinson tweeted against the statement and replied to Coach Wood explaining her frustration.
Coach Wood, I’m not even about to Lie to you, I understand what you’re saying, but that coming from an AD, why should I represent something when they OBVIOUSLY can’t see what the problem is. He knew what he was saying, he meant what he said.
— Magicc Mya ? (@Im_Myaaa) August 27, 2020
Other Athletes also responded to Coach Wood expressing what they thought made the statement so offensive.
The insensitivity to the situation is outrageous! If you don’t stand for something you’ll fall for anything I can’t support a school that doesn’t support our voice neither can I play for one ! #BlackLivesMatter https://t.co/GlzosKPRlc
— Mike ? (@michaelgardner_) August 27, 2020
Thank you…not representing a school that doesn’t support our voices and what we are standing for. Oh yeah we heard you clear Mr.Lyons✌? #BlackLivesMatter https://t.co/TyJekwkg8C
— ٩ (@c_woods9) August 27, 2020
Saying “all Redbird lives matter” grossly detracts from the importance of #BlackLivesMatter. If you hold a position of power you should be using it to support your black student athletes not invalidate their experience. You say “step up, speak up and speak out” so do it.
— Kevin with a mask (@_Koski_) August 27, 2020
Illinois State University Alum and now cornerback for the Denver Broncos Davontae Harris quoted the student-athletes demonstrating his support.
WAIT WHAT?? They gone make me disassociate myself with Illinois state as a whole… https://t.co/cL9xvltCYl
— Davontae Harris (@wichkid) August 27, 2020