KENT (AP) — In a sign of unity they hope catches on, Kent State’s players invited fans onto the court to stand with them during the national anthem before the school’s home opener.
Moments before hosting Mississippi Valley State, the Golden Flashes went into the crowd and each of the players asked a fan of a different race to join them while the school’s “Flasher Brass” pep band performed the anthem.
“We understand all of the issues going on in our world,” sophomore point guard Jalen Avery said. “In these times, we felt it was important to show a sign of unity in our community.”
Kent State coach Rob Senderoff said the players approached the coaching staff with the idea.
“It takes courage for our players to make a statement like this, and I believe it is a representation of the unity in our campus community,” Senderoff said.
The team plans to continue to have fans on the court for every home game at the M.A.C. Center this season.
Kent State defeated Mississippi Valley State 93-63.