Just when sports is returning to an even keel after being uprooted during the 2020 spring season because of the pandemic, the TCU Horned Frogs players throw a proverbial penalty flag. After TCU coach Gary Patterson allegedly used a racial slur, the team decided to not take the field for practice – even though, some players sided with coach, stating it did not occur the way the “victim” claims.
Dylan Jordan is a TCU linebacker, and he claimed that Patterson used a racial slur during practice confrontation between him and Patterson, which led to the boycott.
Former TCU defensive back Niko Small posted about the encounter on Twitter, and that was the starting point of the boycott.
Some players said the Patterson’s comment was taken out of context.
Senior tight end Artayvious Lynn explained what he saw, that Patterson was telling players not to use the n-word.
“We as a Team discussed this already on how unacceptable it was to say the word period and decided not to practice to think of ways to move forward,” Lynn tweeted.
TCU Chancellor Victor Bos chini took to email to attempt to rationalize the event.
“He said it trying to ask the players not to use it anymore,” Boschini noted in an email. “He has since apologized for doing so in this manner and said it was a teachable moment for him and many others.”
Kelton Hollins, a senior center tweeted Monday evening to update about the meeting between Patterson and the leadership council.
“We have discussed ways to move forward while keeping in mind the mental health of the football team. Coach P understands the significance of what he said,” Hollins tweeted.
“Regardless of the context, the word is unacceptable to use but even more so in today’s climate. As a team, we will continue to hold coaches and everyone accountable especially as it pertains to the injustices of America.”
Jordan posted what happened between him and Patterson in a Twitter post. According to Jordan, it all started when Patterson called Jordan out for posting a picture of his girlfriend for National Girlfriend Day. Allegedly, Patterson called Jordan an ugly name and threatened to send him home.
After Jordan shot back to defend himself, Patterson allegedly said, “you’ve been saying n—as in the meeting room.”
A few of the players are standing up for Patterson, stating it was all taken out of context.
“Don’t believe everything you see in the media, know the facts behind a situation before you try to make a situation public,” tweeted Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, sophomore defensive back. “No one was called the N word. You Twitter fingers need to be cancelled ASAP!”
Patterson released a Twitter statement on August 4 apologizing for using the racial slur with Jordan.
“I met with our Seniors and Leadership Council last night about how we move forward as a team, together,” Patterson tweeted. “We are committed as individuals and as a program to fighting racial injustice of any kind.”
“I apologize for the use of the word that, in any context, is unacceptable,” Patterson continued. “I have always encouraged our players to do better and I must live by the same standards. Our players, past and present have always been the strength of our program. These men are and will always be my motivation and driving force.”