Local Utah sports figures express thoughts on nationwide protests and unrest

Mark Harlan, the new athletic director at the University of Utah, poses in front of portraits of former athletic director Isaac Armstrong, left, former head basketball coach Vadal Peterson and former athletic director James Jack at the Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City. Harlan was but one of many local sports figures to comment on social media after the death of George Floyd and ensuing protests. | James Wooldridge

After a weekend of protests and unrest across the country, including in Salt Lake City, local Utah sports figures — athletics directors, coaches and athletes alike — took to social media to express their thoughts.

University of Utah

Athletic director Mark Harlan

SLC is not immune to the hopelessness & fear of the underrepresented communities. As a leader,I need to do more, everyday, to be more aware & act on their behalf.I strongly urge all to protest peacefully & avoid the violence we are seeing. Causing more pain is not the path-

— Mark Harlan (@MarkHarlan_AD) May 31, 2020

Women’s basketball coach Lynne Roberts

pic.twitter.com/0tdLepag02

— lynne roberts (@UtesCoachRob) May 30, 2020

Wide receivers coach Guy Holliday

Watching the protests across the nation I urge you to remember there are good people who serve and protect us. I also want others to know it’s hard to understand the hurt and frustration you feel as a person of color. Don’t judge another man until you’ve walked in his shoes.

— Coach Guy Holliday (@eagle88me) May 29, 2020

Former football player Zack Moss

Peace & Tranquility all I ever need!

— Zack Moss (@PresMoss2) May 31, 2020

Former basketball player Kyle Kuzma

View this post on Instagram

Had a heavy heart last night. This just ain’t right. Violence is never the answer on both sides, but how the hell do you want us to say enough is enough? Kneel? Not good enough? March? Not enough? Say please? This is all disturbing that it’s gotten to this. We all say as public figures we need to use our platforms to help inspire & give positive messages, but I have to ask the question to myself... Is it enough? During a global pandemic we as a country that should have been coming together as one, but we are divided once again because of the dislike and hate of one’s hue. Seriously? 400+ years. Yes there has been progress and we must recognize but we have been told that it takes time. Our great grandparents said it. Grandparents said it. Parents said it. WE ARE SAYING IT!! Enough is enough. Stand for something or fall for everything. ✊ Please stay safe everyone!

A post shared by Kyle Kuzma (@kuz) on May 31, 2020 at 11:09am PDT

Former football player Isaac Asiata

To my brothers and sister holding the line: please be safe.

To those exercising their right to protest: please be safe.

— Isaac Asiata (@AsiataFive4) May 31, 2020

Former football player Moe Lee

Thank you for the protest in Utah. I was Truely surprise to see that much love and support from the Non-Black Community. Proud Day to be a Ute !! #RIPGeorgeFloyd

— Moe Lee (@MrMoeLee) May 31, 2020

Brigham Young University

Athletic director Tom Holmoe

My 9 yrs w/ the 49ers, I was the the minority in the DB room. It was the best experience of my life. My Brothers taught me much more than football and treated me with love & respect and WE accomplished much together as a result. I love them. Changed my life. I’ve got to do more.

— Tom Holmoe (@TomHolmoe) May 30, 2020

Former basketball player Brandon Davies

Outraged, he left in the middle of the tourney. Something like this can seem so small, but in that moment, he stood up for not only his grandchildren & I, but also stood against racism everywhere. Be an Example. Be the light. (2/2)

— Brandon Davies (@Brandon_Davies0) May 31, 2020

Former football player Derwin L. Gray

Peaceful protest
Peaceful protest
Peaceful protest
Peaceful protest
Peaceful protest

An eye for an eye makes everyone blind.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons and daughters of God. Matthew 5:9 pic.twitter.com/bb7EQLAiTl

— Dr. Derwin L. Gray (@DerwinLGray) May 30, 2020

Former football player Tim McTyer

Black people the only people that fight about how to fight. Shit sad bro.
It's been 400 years and Nothing has worked obviously.

A plan = nope
Solutions = nope
Voting = nope
Fighting back = nope

But as a man when all else fails unless you a punk. You fight back !!!

— Tim McTyer (@timmctyer) May 31, 2020

Former football player Robertson Daniel

Imagine praying for hundreds of years and not much has changed. Prayer after prayer after prayer after prayer..

— Rob Daniel (@TheRealist1ne) May 31, 2020

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