Oklahoma's Bob Stoops, Lon Kruger join protests over racist frat video
The University of Oklahoma was shocked when an offensive video involving fraternity Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) surfaced on Sunday.
The video shows SAE members singing a racist chant with a lynching reference while on a bus.
As a result of the video, school president David Boren issued a statement ending ties between Oklahoma and the local SAE chapter, and closing their house on campus.
Several members of Sooners athletics joined students who gathered in protest of SAE's actions on campus.
"It's something that should concern everyone," head basketball coach Lon Kruger told Guerin Emig of the Tulsa World at Monday's demonstration. "It's not about athletics."
Head football coach Bob Stoops also attended the demonstration with members of his football team.
Bob Stoops stands with his players at OU South Oval demonstration. #Sooners pic.twitter.com/QS7Al3wt6Q
— Guerin Emig (@GuerinEmig) March 9, 2015
Circle of OU athletes, coaches just outside Owen Field, led in prayer by #Sooners center Ty Darlington. pic.twitter.com/nR1BdEIcsg
— Guerin Emig (@GuerinEmig) March 9, 2015
"It's hard to believe that that actually happened. It's sad the ignorance that can still be there with some people," said Stoops. "It's just appalling. I was here to be with my guys. We all work with beautiful young men.
"It's just ... you know ... very little gets me choked up," continued the coach. "But that hurt."
Stoops later took to Twitter with a statement:
Pleased to see @President_Boren take swift action against racism & punishing bigots. I join our campus in fighting racism everywhere.
— Bob Stoops (@OU_CoachStoops) March 9, 2015