There’s taking a stand, and then there’s going all-in.
There’s no denying the climate today is one of moving social justice reform forward, and thankfully so. After the tragic killing of George Floyd while in police custody and the subsequent protests across this country, something feels different this time around and many Ohio State players, coaches, and even current commitments are standing up and getting their voices out there.
But what four-star running back Evan Pryor is proposing is a step further. After a series of racist social media posts and videos at his high school went public, the 2021 class’ No. 2 all-purpose back and 85th overall prospect according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings, is demanding change and threatening to sit out his senior season unless administrators and students at William Amos Hough High School get serious and move things in a positive direction.
“I am a Black student at Hough High School in Cornelius, NC,” said Pryor in the statement shared to Twitter. “Everyday I experience racism from man white students on social media. I demand change in my school. Racism and racial injustice must end.”
It doesn’t appear to be just talk either. Pryor appeared on a live stream show with the Charlotte Observer to discuss where things stand and if he’s serious about sitting out his senior season.
“I believe so,” Pryor said. “If it gets to that point and there’s no change and it only gets worse, I’ll do what I have to do because at some point it has to end. We can’t just let this keep going on around the state. If it gets there — yes — I’ll sit out. Hopefully, in talking with my AD and principal, I don’t think it’ll get to that point. I think we’re taking steps in the right direction.”
We’ll keep an eye on this as things develop, but for now, it appears that his school administrators are behind him, and he is to be commended for taking such a bold stance.
