Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby said that it "will be up to each school how it wants to handle the national anthem and possible player reaction" during the upcoming college football season, according to Chuck Carlton of the DALLAS MORNING NEWS. Bowlsby said, "We certainly have the expectation that there will be representations of the feelings of student-athletes in a variety of ways. Within some latitude, we encourage those things and want to make sure that student-athletes can find their voice and use their voice." Bowlsby said that he "expected the subject to be discussed" at an AD meeting today. Bowlsby added that the Big 12 "will be unveiling an anti-racism, anti-hate campaign this year," with "messages on uniforms and helmets and TV spots during games" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 9/8). In Oklahoma City, Berry Tramel notes college football teams "traditionally have remained in the locker rooms during the playing of the national anthem, primarily because marching bands are on the field." But this year, bands will not be allowed on the field. Meanwhile, the Big 12's new campaign will "include a patch with social-justice messages on most uniforms and a black Big 12/unity sticker on the back of helmets." The patches are "subject to university approval." Bowlsby said that the conference also "will continue to support voter registration programs and an internship program for people of color" (OKLAHOMAN, 9/8).
