Countless athletes have used social media as a platform to demand change. Kylin Hill, the SEC’s top returning rusher, tweeted that he will no longer represent the state anymore until Mississippi changes its state flag.
What We Know:
- Mississippi has had an ongoing debate regarding the confederate emblem located in its flag’s design. Recently, the SEC, Conference USA and the NCAA issued statements that they would prohibit championship events in Mississippi until the state flag changes.
- “Either change the flag or I won’t be representing this State anymore,” Hill tweeted. He also added “I meant that…I’m tired.”
Either change the flag or I won’t be representing this State anymore 💯 & I meant that .. I’m tired https://t.co/IzizpWLoIg
— Kylin Hill (@H_Kylin) June 22, 2020
- Hill’s tweet was in response to Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves’ explanation of why he believes creating a second state flag would not be appropriate. Monday, Reeves tweeted that a second flag option, which has been discussed over the weekend, did not meet the threshold of allowing the public to decide what was best for the future. He stated that Mississippians should decide whether the flag should be changed, not legislators. The last vote on the state flag took place in 2001 and voters decided to keep the flag as is.
- In a tweet responding to his original one, Hill said he was born in Mississippi and knows too well what that symbol stands for.
Unlike rest I was born in this state 💯 and I knwo what the flag mean
— Kylin Hill (@H_Kylin) June 22, 2020
- Mississippi state coach Mike Leach issued a statement to the Jackson Clarion-Ledger supporting Hill’s rights to speak out. “The biggest thing is that Kylin is entitled to his opinion just like everybody else,” he said. “If Kylin chooses to express his opinion, I think he should if he wants to. I think he definitely should because all opinions on all issues should be heard.”
- “I think that’s where we run into trouble in particular – the dialogue isn’t quite what it should be. Not everybody is listening to one another, and I think we have to get to that point. I applaud Kylin’s right to express his opinion really on any subject.”
Hill is arguably one of the best in the nation at his position. He rushed for 1,350 years and 10 touchdowns last season, and has more than 2,400 career years with the Bulldogs.
