Mark Stoops and Vince Marrow lead Kentucky Football team in Black Lives Matter protest

Lead by Mark Stoops and Vince Marrow, the University of Kentucky Football team took to the streets of Lexington on Friday afternoon in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Several Kentucky players have been out-spoken over the last several weeks, so it was no surprise to see this demonstration by Cats. A large portion of the team met at Kroger Field wearing shirts that read “Black Lives Matter.”

All over the United States, there continues to be protests and marches calling attention to the prevalence of police brutality and systematic unfair treatment of African-Americans in America. This week you began to see the majority of the college athletics world speak up, especially coaches and administrators.

Silence is unacceptable, and relying on people of influence to speak up for what is right will be a major factor in making advances to end racism.

On Friday afternoon, Mark Stoops and Vince Marrow marched with the football team to the courthouse steps in downtown Lexington. The march provided some powerful moments and photos.

Several media members walked alongside the team and was able to capture some up close footage.

“Black Lives Matter, and they matter to me, a great deal.” Stoops said. UK’s head coach went on to say that this is an issue that needs to be talked about often and that he plans to make a difference.

No matter where you live, there is no doubt that you have been paying attention to what’s happening in America and around the world. It was terrific to see Stoops and the football team take a firm stance and have their voices heard. People in the community look up to the athletes at their local universities and in many instances, those athletes are the ones being oppressed.

It is wonderful to see this kind of leadership from the coaching staff and players.