Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren, the first black leader of a Power Five conference, is creating a coalition to give the league’s athletes a platform to voice their concerns about racism.
Warren announced Monday the formation of the Big Ten Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Coalition, with athletes, coaches, athletic director and university chancellors and presidents. Warren said the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis while being detained by police motivated him to take action beyond putting out a statement decrying racism. Warren also said he and his wife, Greta, will be donating $100,000 the National Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights. Warren was the Chief Operating Officer of the Minnesota Vikings prior to his appointment as Big Ten Commissioner. He also worked in front offices with the St. Louis Rams and Detroit Lions.
Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren says this has been a hard week for him and many people
Warren says he thinks we’ve reached a point where change will come
He says the tragic death of George Floyd has created a chaotic time where people are called to action
The Commissioner says there are things he and other can do to create change, but it is up to all of us
Warren says everyone needs to look in the mirror to help, and not give up, not let this idea of change fade
The head of the Big Ten says the country can be a better place with change
He says this issue is one that we have to address every day and won’t be forgotten
Warren says he has faith in the human race that things will get better
The Commissioner says this will take work, but this issue is worth hard work
Warren says he has optimism in the midst of this tragedy, which can propel us to better things
Warren says sports can be a catalyst in moving us forward as a society
He says we must not forget what this cause is about
Warren says the answer is for everyone to work together and starts as an individuals
Kevin Warren says this impacts everyone, everywhere
Warren says this is something to address now
He says the time has come to be better
The Commissioner says people protesting with a purpose is good with him
Warren says the Big Ten and the entire adult world is trying to set a tone for the young people involved in the conference and young people everywhere
He says this situation and need is not something to be taken lightly
Warren says the time is now to try to make this a better world
