UO Football Players to Discuss Racism, Impact of COVID-19 and Upcoming Season

October 19, 2020 (Eugene, Ore.) – The University of Oregon’s College of Education is hosting a conversation with five of UO Football’s marquee players. The dialogue will focus on their experiences of COVID-19 and recent civil unrest as they head into their 2020 campaign. Joey Harrington, UO Hall of fame quarterback, will help frame the conversation that will feature Jordon Scott, Cam McCormick, Verone McKinley III, Cyrus Habibi Likio, Tyler Shough and Robert Johnson, Head Coach of UO Track and Field program.

“This is a unique opportunity to connect with our student athletes to learn more about what they are going through right now in light of the global pandemic, the fight for racial justice, the election, and the actions they are taking as leaders in our community,” said Dr. Rhonda Nese, Assistant Professor of Special Education and Clinical Sciences at the College of Education and the event’s facilitator.

Assistant Professor Nese will explore topics that range from the players’ role as leaders, their personal experiences of racism and the challenges they are facing preparing for their 2020 football campaign. Some members of the public will also participate in the conversation and ask questions of participants. The event will take place at 5:00pm – 6:30pm on October 25^th and can be viewed by the general public on the following livestream: https://youtu.be/klOC6jDr2Yc.

The event will be co-hosted by Friends of the Children, a new nonprofit organization focused on ending the cycle of poverty in Lane County through providing long-term professional mentors to families facing significant challenges. Da’Vell Winters, Assistant Director of Player Development with UO Football and Board Member of Friends of the Children, will discuss some strategies for addressing inequality and disadvantage in our community.

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Media Inquiries Contact: Matt Springer, 541.632.3237, mspringer@friendslanecountyor.org