In today’s political climate, a T-shirt speaks volumes

Arecent photo of Oklahoma State head football coach Mike Gundy surfaced online Monday, after a weekend fishing trip with his two sons.

The normal photo opportunity would not have made headlines if not for Gundy’s T-shirt, which was emblazoned with OAN.

The acronym is for One America News Network — a far-right media outlet that is heavily pro-Donald Trump.

Coach Gundy is allowed to wear whatever he may please. That’s his right as an American.

While the situation typically would be mitigated by the Cowboys’ public relation and marketing team, Gundy’s best player objected.

Chubba Hubbard is the running back for OSU and also a national ambassador for the university, being that Hubbard is a Canadian.

Hubbard rushed for 2,094 yards last season and was a first-team AllAmerican and the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year.

Via social media, Hubbard exclaimed he would not participate in anything OSU related until further action is taken.

“I will not stand for this,” Hubbard posted on Twitter the day in which Cowboys players were scheduled to begin voluntary workouts on campus. “This is completely insensitive to everything going on in society, and it’s unacceptable.”

Before 3 weeks ago, this may not have made national headlines. Now with the social climate of the country, you have a athlete that has single-handily taken a stand against a major institution.

Oklahoma Stare made millions last season from Hubbard’s production on the field, so the tailback has a loud voice.

Hubbard wasn’t alone in his displeasure, current teammates and former Cowboys, such as Justice Hill, also voiced concern after the photo was revealed.

In my opinion, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with Gundy’s choice of shirts or how he feels politically. However, considering coaches young African American men, maybe his choice of shirts wasn’t the best, giving the current social climate.

Athletes going to college should do more research on their coaches and the social community that they’ll be joining for four or five years. If Hubbard would’ve understood the political makeup of Oklahoma and Stillwater, this may not have even raised a eyebrow.

Here’s just another example of how politics can affect sports.