SOUTH BEND, Ind. Clark Lea started texting and calling, wanting to talk but needing to listen. When he got to Daelin Hayes, the conversation compelled Lea to do more.

Notre Dames defensive coordinator had already seen the video of George Floyd under the knee of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. He had followed from a distance as anger at Floyds death boiled over in protests across the country. Lea didnt have a solution for any of it, other than to reach out to his players.

The words of Notre Dames fifth-year defensive end stopped Lea cold. They talked about Hayes life experience and the reality that faces Notre Dames defensive roster, where black players make up a majority. Hayes took those experiences and translated them for Lea, who has three kids.

Imagine sending your son out into the world and it sees him as a threat, Hayes told Lea. And you dont know if hes gonna...

More:
How Notre Dame empowered its players to speak out, and why it needs to listen - The Athletic

Comments are closed.