Social issues
FILE - This Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019, file photo, shows the Pac-12 logo during the second half of an NCAA college football game between Arizona State and Kent State, in Tempe, Ariz. The Pac-12 has set Sept. 26 as the start of its 10-game conference-only football schedule. The Pac-12 announced three weeks ago it would eliminate nonconference games for its 12 member schools. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso, File)
Next in summer of player empowerment: Pac-12 players unite

By Ralph D. Russo 12 hrs ago

FILE - This Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019, file photo, shows the Pac-12 logo during the second half of an NCAA college football game between Arizona State and Kent State, in Tempe, Ariz. The Pac-12 has set Sept. 26 as the start of its 10-game conference-only football schedule. The Pac-12 announced three weeks ago it would eliminate nonconference games for its 12 member schools. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso, File)
Pac-12 football players urge opt-out amid COVID-19 concerns

By Ralph D. Russo Aug. 02, 2020 11:01 AM EDT

FILE - In this Oct. 26, 2013, file photo, Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz talks with Iowa Athletics Director Gary Barta before an NCAA college football game against Northwestern at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. The Iowa football program's culture has suffered from racial bias against Black players and bullying by a small number of current and former coaches, according to an investigation report released Thursday, July 30, 2020 (AP Photo/Brian Ray, File)
Inquiry finds racial bias, bullying in Iowa football program

By Ryan J. Foley Jul. 30, 2020 10:42 AM EDT

Iowa's Djimon Colbert celebrates after his team's 48-31 win against Minnesota after an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Minneapolis. The death of George Floyd followed by revelations of mistreatment of Black players in the Iowa football program prompted Djimon Colbert to confront important issues he had mostly put to the side before this summer, Thursday, July 16, 2020. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
In summer of unrest, Hawkeyes tackling race issues

Jul. 16, 2020 05:56 PM EDT

FILE - In this Dec. 10, 2019, file photo, El Drinkwitz is introduced as the new head football coach at the University of Missouri, in Columbia, Mo. Drinkwitz has been the head coach at Missouri for just over seven months. He has yet to lead the Tigers onto the football field, much less win a game, yet his role in the community already has forced him to take some important stands. First, it was supporting his new players as they pushed for equality amid the Black Lives Matter movement. Now, it is encouraging folks to wear masks when they are out in public, which health experts insist is among the best ways to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus — even though, much like social justice, it has become a highly politicized issue. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File)
Missouri's Drinkwitz takes side in mask-or-no-mask debate

By Dave Skretta Jul. 15, 2020 03:20 PM EDT

FILE - In this Nov. 10, 2018, file photo, Texas players sing "The Eyes of Texas" after an NCAA college football game against Texas Tech in Lubbock, Texas. The University of Texas announced a series of steps Monday, July 13, 2020 intended to make itself more welcoming to its Black students but stopped short of shelving “The Eyes of Texas” song that a number of athletes have said needs to go because it has racist undertones. (AP Photo/Brad Tollefson, File)
Texas keeps 'The Eyes of Texas' despite athlete demands

By Cliff Brunt Jul. 13, 2020 01:55 PM EDT

Syracuse University appoints diversity director for sports

By John Kekis Jul. 10, 2020 02:01 AM EDT
Syracuse athletic director John Wildhack has added a position to his department, bucking a trend toward athletic cuts during the coronavirus pandemic. ...

FILE - In this Nov. 16, 2019, file photo, Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman warms up his team before an NCAA college football game against West Virginia in Manhattan, Kan. Kansas State football players say they will boycott all team activities until administrators create a policy that would allow a student to be expelled for “openly racist, threatening or disrespectful actions.” The move that most players announced Saturday on social media follows a tweet by a student about the death of George Floyd that prompted outrage on campus. Late Sunday, June 28, 2020, coach Chris Klieman tweeted his support: “Racism is NOT welcome at KSTATE now or in the future. ... I am excited to help every player unite for the solution NOW, so that that we can come together stronger than ever. Black Lives Matter.” (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner, File)
K-State players end threat of boycott over Floyd tweet

Jul. 03, 2020 10:26 PM EDT

FILE - In this Oct. 6, 2018, file photo, Oklahoma State football coach Mike Gundy runs onto the field before the team's NCAA college football game against Iowa State in Stillwater, Okla. Mike Holder, Oklahoma State’s athletic director, said late Thursday, July 2, 2020, an internal review had found “no sign or indication of racism” in the football program under Gundy after a number of players raised concerns. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)
Oklahoma St finds 'no signs' of racism in football program

Jul. 02, 2020 10:15 PM EDT

Vandy player expelled for violating sexual misconduct policy

Jul. 02, 2020 08:02 PM EDT
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A Vanderbilt football player dismissed from the team and expelled for violating the university's sexual misconduct policy in October...

FILE - In this Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, file photo, Ohio State defensive tackle Tommy Togiai (72) reacts after teammate defensive tackle Dre'Mont Jones (86) recovers a fumble at the 2-yard line during the second half of an NCAA college football game, in East Lansing, Mich. A strong connection between law enforcement and Idaho State student-athletes, including Togiai, set the stage for peaceful unity march on June 3, 2020, in Pocatello, Idaho. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)
Idaho march brings college athletes, officers together

By John Marshall Jul. 02, 2020 03:51 PM EDT

FILE - In this Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019 file photo, Utah defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley looks on in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Idaho State in Salt Lake City. Utah defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley will remain on staff but will take a pay cut and must undergo diversity training after being suspended for using a racial slur in a 2013 text message. Utah announced Wednesday, July 1, 2020 that Scalley will participate in diversity and inclusion education and have his salary cut from $1.1 million to $525,000.(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File)
Utah defensive coordinator Scalley to keep job after review

Jul. 01, 2020 04:12 PM EDT

FILE - In this Nov. 16, 2019, file photo, Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman warms up his team before an NCAA college football game against West Virginia in Manhattan, Kan. Kansas State football players say they will boycott all team activities until administrators create a policy that would allow a student to be expelled for “openly racist, threatening or disrespectful actions.” The move that most players announced Saturday on social media follows a tweet by a student about the death of George Floyd that prompted outrage on campus. Late Sunday, June 28, 2020, coach Chris Klieman tweeted his support: “Racism is NOT welcome at KSTATE now or in the future. ... I am excited to help every player unite for the solution NOW, so that that we can come together stronger than ever. Black Lives Matter.” (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner, File)
K-State launches diversity programs after football boycott

By Dave Skretta Jul. 01, 2020 11:44 AM EDT

FILE - In this Nov. 24, 2018, file photo, Michigan quarterback Shea Patterson throws a pass against Ohio State during an NCAA college football game in Columbus, Ohio. Magistrate Judge Norah McCann King moved a change of plea hearing from June 18 to July 1, 2020, for Daniel Rippy. Rippy is accused of making an "electronic communication" threat from California during this game between Ohio State and the University of Michigan threatening a shooting and vowing to hurt players on the football team. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Suspect accused of football game threat enters guilty plea

By Andrew Welsh-Huggins Jul. 01, 2020 08:58 AM EDT

Alabama mayor resigns after post on Crimson Tide's BLM video

Jun. 29, 2020 08:28 AM EDT
CARBON HILL, Ala. (AP) — A controversial Alabama mayor has resigned after posting disparaging comments about the University of Alabama football team voicing...

FILE - In this Nov. 16, 2019, file photo, Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman warms up his team before an NCAA college football game against West Virginia in Manhattan, Kan. Kansas State football players say they will boycott all team activities until administrators create a policy that would allow a student to be expelled for “openly racist, threatening or disrespectful actions.” The move that most players announced Saturday on social media follows a tweet by a student about the death of George Floyd that prompted outrage on campus. Late Sunday, June 28, 2020, coach Chris Klieman tweeted his support: “Racism is NOT welcome at KSTATE now or in the future. ... I am excited to help every player unite for the solution NOW, so that that we can come together stronger than ever. Black Lives Matter.” (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner, File)
K-State players announce boycott after student's Floyd tweet

Jun. 28, 2020 03:01 PM EDT

FILE - In this Sept. 28. 2019, file photo, Alabama coach Nick Saban leads the team onto the field before an NCAA college football game against Mississippi in Tuscaloosa, Ala. The Alabama football team released an emotional video Thursday, June 25, 2020, speaking out against racism and ending with the message that “all lives can’t matter until Black lives matter.” Saban and many prominent players, both Black and white, appear in the video that was written by Alabama left tackle Alex Leatherwood. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt, File)
Alabama players, Saban appear in anti-racism video

Jun. 25, 2020 08:38 PM EDT

FILE - In this Dec. 11, 2016, file photo, former New Orleans Saints and University of Mississippi running back Deuce McAllister leaves Orleans Parish Criminal District Court after the verdict in the Cardell Hayes murder trial in New Orleans. McAllister was part of group of student-athletes in the late 1990s who helped push administrators into largely eliminating the Confederate flag from Ole Miss football games. (AP Photo/Jonathan Bachman, File)
College athletes using platform to address social issues

By David Brandt Jun. 25, 2020 02:01 PM EDT

FILE - In this Nov. 30, 2019, file photo, Oklahoma State running back Chuba Hubbard (30) carries past Oklahoma linebacker Caleb Kelly during an NCAA college football game in Stillwater, Okla. Hubbard said on Twitter that he won’t do anything with the program until there is change after coach Mike Gundy was photographed wearing a T-shirt representing far-right online publication One America News Network. Gundy is seen in a photograph on Twitter wearing the T-shirt with the letters OAN. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)
Oklahoma State adds diversity council amid controversy

Jun. 24, 2020 04:18 PM EDT

FILE - In this Jan. 13, 2020, file photo, LSU head coach Ed Orgeron holds the trophy after the team's victory over Clemson in an NCAA College Football Playoff national championship game in New Orleans. LSU has begun asking a number of football players to self-quarantine in the past week because of instances in which some players tested positive for COVID-19 after social interactions outside of the Tigers’ training facility. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)
Return of college athletes gives glimpse of back to school

By Ralph D. Russo Jun. 22, 2020 06:32 PM EDT