Introductory press conferences for college coaches sure have changed quite a bit. In the past, merely promising to win within the rules would be enough to please the fans.
Now, if you really really want to rile the fan base, you promise that you’re not going to protest the national anthem. At least, that’s what pleases the fans in Mississippi.
Incoming Ole Miss basketball coach Kermit Davis wasted no time assuring Rebels fans that his team would be a class act during the game, and before it.
Davis said:
What is Ole Miss basketball going to look like? It’s going to be relentless, athletic, explosive, a team that’s going to have to play on and on and on to beat. It’s going to be a team that’s going to be unselfish. We’re going to play fast and smart in transition. We’re going to try to get easy baskets. We’re going to try to play with great body language.
We’re going to be a respectful team that respects the flag and the national anthem. All those things from culture is what we’re about. It’s who we’re going to be.
Davis takes over the Ole Miss program after an impressive run at Middle Tennessee State. While no Rebel players have protested the anthem, Davis seems to have wanted to remove any doubt about his feelings on the matter, should anyone consider it in the future.
Davis joins Miami Dolphins Owner Stephen Ross, as the latest figure in the sports world to publicly announce that his team will not protest the national anthem. While Ross eventually walked his statement back, promising that he would not prevent his players from protesting. As a college basketball coach in control of the scholarships of non-union players, Davis is a in a far more powerful position.
Follow Dylan Gwinn on Twitter @themightygwinn
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