:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51936645/usa_today_9640905.0.jpeg)
A “post-game hangover” for Texas Longhorns players from Saturday’s loss to the Kansas Jayhawks spilled over in to emotional reactions to reports of head coach Charlie Strong’s impending termination on Sunday.
On Monday, things went a step further — the Austin American-Statesman reported that players are now threatening to boycott Friday’s game against the TCU Horned Frogs.
The report is hardly surprising considering the reactions of some players:
NO STRONG NO UT FOOTBALL!!!!!!! simple as that
— Hovaa Gang⛽️ (@erick_fowler) November 21, 2016
The main reason we came to UT was because of coach Strong's plan for us to succeed and become a better man, now y'all take him away..
— Tope Imade (@TopeImade) November 21, 2016
According to the source, upperclassmen are trying to get the younger players to calm down, but several players are apparently threatening not to play.
Beyond the fact that there aren’t many upperclassmen playing big roles, the problem is that the players had their opportunities to control things on the field, but weren’t able to do so.
In no situation was that more damaging to head coach Charlie Strong than the school’s first loss to the Jayhawks since 1938, but the other numerous close losses this season put Strong on the brink.
While it’s understandable that emotions are running high right now — which is largely a tribute to the positive impact that Strong has had on his players — it’s time for the players to understand their own role in Strong’s predicament, as outspoken former cornerback Quandre Diggs did on Sunday night.
At some point the players gotta be responsible man.. I guarantee you Strong gave them everything they needed to succeed..
— Quandre Diggs (@qdiggs6) November 21, 2016
The players know I cut for them but they also know i'm a straight shooter and they not performing like they should.
— Quandre Diggs (@qdiggs6) November 21, 2016
If the administration hasn’t made an official decision by Friday, the players need to make a statement on the field in support of their head coach by going out and beating TCU.
Even if president Greg Fenves does announce that the regular season finale will be Strong’s last game at Texas, the players still owe it to their head coach to go out and play hard for him and for their school.
It’s pretty simple.