Even before this most recent movement began gaining significant traction, Steve Spurrier very loudly and very clearly let his feelings be known on the issue of the Confederate flag flying on the grounds of the South Carolina Capitol in Columbia. Just yesterday, Spurrier’s boss at USC, athletic director Ray Tanner, came out in support of the controversial flag’s removal.
Not surprisingly, the Ol’ Ball Coach has come out publicly in favor of the Confederate Flag’s removal.
The South Carolina football team, players and coaches strongly support Governor Haley's decision to remove the flag from the capitol.
— Coach Steve Spurrier (@SteveSpurrierUF) June 23, 2015
“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,” Spurrier stated during a 2007 interview. “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.”
At a press conference Monday afternoon, South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley called for the Confederate flag to be taken down from the Statehouse grounds. She has received bipartisan support in her state, and the issue could be resolved before July turns to August. While all of the attention when it comes to this symbol is focused on South Carolina, though, Mississippi is beginning to see a change in sentiment as well.
The Magnolia State has the Stars and Bars included as part of its state flag, and there’s a growing movement in that area to rid that flag of what to many (most) has become a symbol of hatred, bigotry and racism. Included in that movement is Ole Miss athletic director Ross Bjork.
I support these efforts & also signed on here. It's Time! http://t.co/3Qnz56NjWY https://t.co/K0JLX09hsS
— Ross Bjork (@RossBjorkAD) June 23, 2015