When my beloved alma mater Grambling State University hired a white assistant coach, Art Briles, as offensive coordinator of the football program, there was a loud uproar. The reason was not because Mr. Briles is white, but he had a lot of baggage that followed him after leaving Baylor University.

He was fired from Baylor in 2016 for his mishandling of sexual assault allegations against his football players. No college football program had hired him after that incident.

Many people were surprised when the new head coach at Grambling State, former NFL Coach Hue Jackson, hired Art Briles to be on his coaching staff.

Many people made their voices heard that they did not think this was the right choice. Some notables, such as Doug Williams, spoke out against the hiring, saying he could no longer support the football team with this hiring.

For those who do not know, Doug Williams is one of Grambling’s favorite sons who went on to have a prominent football career in the NFL. He also came back to Grambling as head coach for two separate stints.

Stephen A. Smith, a no-table sports commentator who graduated from an HBCU, blasted Art Briles’ hiring on his show. Many other celebrities, alumni and people in general expressed their displeasure with this hire.

This backlash appears to have been too much for the university as well as for Mr. Briles. After four days on the job, Mr. Briles announced that he was resigning. We do not know if university officials told him that he could either resign gracefully or be forced out of the position.

This shows you that when many people speak up in unison, changes can be made for the better, in this case, for GSU.

Go Tigers!

ERNEST PARKER JR.

Richmond

Grambling State University Alumnus, 1976