SB Nation has learned that LSU sent an email to its student-athletes urging caution regarding the Alton Sterling case decision. On Wednesday the United States Justice Department announced no charges will be brought against the officers who killed Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge, La., on July 5, 2016, due to insufficient evidence.
I hope this message finds you well. This afternoon, the US Department of Justice announced that the Alton Sterling case will not be prosecuted by federal authorities. As members of the Athletics community, we want to support each of you and assure you that the University will maintain a safe learning and working environment for us all.
If there is anything you need, please communicate with us. Also please know that if you need to talk at any time, we have counselors available at [redacted].
We know this is a subject that many of you care deeply about and we respect and support your right to speak publicly and express your opinions.
If you choose to express your opinions publicly, please remember the following:
As student-athletes, you are some of LSU’s most visible ambassadors. Many of you enjoy a large following and with that comes responsibility. Remember that what you say and do directly impacts how people around the world view LSU.
IMPORTANT: If you choose to express your opinion on this issue, including on social media, we ask that you do not wear LSU gear or use LSU branding.
Show respect for your teammates and your coaches with what you say. Understand they may have different views than your own and many have personal connections and feelings about this case. Lean on and support each other as a team.
We expect this to be a very sensitive situation with heavy scrutiny from both local and national media. Remember that public comments on this topic may be their first and only impression of you.
Your safety is our biggest priority. Please avoid potentially violent situations and report any concerns to police (911, or 578-3231 for LSUPD).
So much to unpack here with that email. The University has to protect itself at all costs, we understand that. But let’s be honest, this email was directed specifically at the football team and to a lesser extent the basketball team. Members of LSU’s golf, swimming or baseball teams are not the “most visible ambassadors.”
This is like one of those emails that often get sent at a corporation, where you know it’s directed at a few rogue employees but is sent to “ALL EMPLOYEES.” It will be interesting to see what happens if any of the athletes decide to ignore the email and take to social media and other platforms to exercise their right to protest.