There was a time when Trevor Lawrence crossed the line between giving his call to the cause of social justice and leading the cause, at least in the educational space. Clemson’s quarterback knows it now. Lawrence can’t tell you exactly when it happened, but now it’s true. It is the face of non-violent protests among school footballers and perhaps school athletes in general.
In this week of the Tigers’ first game, Wake Forest, the game has been hopelessly entangled with protests, politics and pride. Thanks, in part, to the 20-year-old junior superstar.
During a summer full of considerations about a pandemic and national unrest, a “white boy from a small Georgian town” who describes himself made us witness Trevor’s transformation.
“I’m still looking to perceive that line,” Lawrence said this week. “I have this voice that other people will be waiting for me to say something about everything that is happening. At the end of the day, you just can’t communicate about everything. “
So far you have covered it all. It is the maximum recognizable call attached to the #WeAreUnited movement.
What began through an organization of Pac-12 players, rates not easy for school athletes, temporarily evolved with Lawrence on board.
When the Conferences to play a season, Lawrence was there with Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields, it wasn’t easy #WeWantToPlay.
Lawrence and his teammate Darien Rencher were among 4 Clemson players who staged a campus protest opposing police brutality in June.
There have been discussions ranging from creating a player arrangement to obtaining the rights of name, symbol and likeness. To launch this first week of Power Five gameplay, Lawrence tweeted a “CFB Player Statement” on Sunday.
Using the #OURVOICEMATTERS hashtag, he indexed topics related to social justice, voter registration, networking, and a goal on game days to raise awareness.
“It’ll have to be done this week, you’ll find out,” promised Lawrence.
Athletes and coaches from Stephen F. Austin and Eastern Kentucky have already provided information. The SFA players knelt down and raised their fists forward for a kickoff midgame. The Eastern Kentucky coaches wore “Black Lives Matter” jerseys that fit Marshall.
It might not be the end.
“I think you’re looking for it in the long run,” Texas coach Tom Herman said. “I am pleased that our players nevertheless feel free to say what they think and say what matters to them, to deal with some of those issues for years, decades, centuries. Array. . . has been problematic for these young athletes. “
This is where the line is drawn for Lawrence. It does not need to be a lightning rod for this move. Just a light.
He is aware of Twitter trolls, aware that social media can pin any message. Say the matter, some of what Lawrence advocates can be tricky.
“It can be a slippery slope going through some trails,” Lawrence said. “I don’t need to be a political pawn… You have so many other [voices], whether it’s the media or the extreme right, the extreme left… so it is difficult to locate non-unusual terrain.
But not impossible. College gamers continue to realize that they are the unpaid workforce and games don’t happen without them.
They have influence even if the message is clumsy. These Pac-12 players demanded 50% of the conference’s revenue. That doesn’t happen, but no one has said the reform is going well.
COVID-19 and social justice have combined to make it perhaps the most significant summer in the history of school football. So far, the probability of a school football commissioner is an impossible maximum. Too many competing interests.
Lawrence, after graduating from a 15-year career in the NFL, may be that guy.
“I would say Trevor is a national leader in what’s going on,” said Clemson supporter Mike Jones Jr. “I feel it’s harder not to see it coming. “
Lawrence helps keep pointing out that he is one of the 20-30 players who contributed to the existing position. Among them are Stanford defensive shot Dylan Boles, Michigan defensive back Hunter Reynolds and a couple of Oregon stars: defensive finisher Kayvon Thibodeaux and Penei Sewell offensive take-off.
#WeAreUnited doesn’t want strategic communication advice. Heisman Trophy audiences, media and electorate are drawn to the quarters. Whatever message they have, they tend to attract attention. The one Lawrence expressed is smart and fair. .
“For the most part, peace to all. May everyone be happy. Everyone must be united, ”said Lawrence.
“We all agree that the country is not in an ideal position at the moment,” he added. “There is a lot of room to grow regardless of your side. “
Lawrence doesn’t need to be an activist, “but I think I have a duty to publicize equality and the other people I love. “
Much of this season revolves around Clemson and Lawrence. The Tigers are aiming for their third national championship in years. There is a Heisman at stake, if the Heisman Trust awards the trophy this season.
Despite his greatness, Lawrence is the first freshman quarterback to take an FBS team to a national championship since Oklahoma’s Jamelle Holieway in 1985, never a finalist in Heisman. it may never happen.
Sewell decided not to participate this week as Oregon tried to play in the spring of 2021, while Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields, a first-round draft pick for the 2021 NFL Draft, could be next soon.
“Personally, I didn’t feel more threatened playing soccer here than I would,” Lawrence said. “This may be my last year here. I wanted to be here with my teammates. “
For the duration of the season, it will be a double crusade for Lawrence: winning the championship and winning the center of a divided nation. Lawrence and his teammates have already spoken with coach Dabo Swinney about voting on November 3.
Football and social justice collide that day. It’s Tuesday of Notre-Dame week.
“I don’t think it’s the smartest thing to do not practice on this day,” Lawrence said. “Coach Swinney said he would give us a lot of time to vote. “
“These guys literally fought for their season. They fought to play, ”Swinney said. “There’s no one who has to be here… Just because you’re a quarterback doesn’t mean you’re a leader. I think it is herbal for him.
There’s no doubt Lawrence’s already nailed to the non-secular aspect. Travel 30 miles to NewSpring Church in Anderson, South Carolina, the week for services. NewSpring is a non-denominational church with sites throughout South Carolina. Anderson’s congregation has an average of another 32,000 people depending on the week.
The most capable member of NewSpring necessarily wants a chair to inform everyone.
“I know you look at me a lot, ” said Lawrence. ” Critics, but also younger generations, turn to me . . . I’m aware of that. I need to use my platform the right way to have an effect on people.
“I am not an activist . . . however, I believe I have a duty to publicize equality and the other people I love. “
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Getty images and US Presswire imagesBut it’s not the first time