Sports and race event took on tough questions

Panelists at the sports and race event included from left to right Ray Richardson, KMOJ radio personality and former sportswriter for the Pioneer Press, Rebekkah Brunson, Lynx forward, and Carl Eller, retired Vikings defensive end and one of the illustrious Purple People Eaters. The panel was moderated by Rana L. Cash, NFL editor at the Star Tribune. Photo courtesy Melody Gilbert.

Twin Cities Black Journalists, along with the Minnesota chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists and the Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Minnesota, hosted a panel on “Where Race and Sports Intersect” on Jan. 23.

Turnout was great with about 80 people in attendance. The panel focused on how race, culture and sports have intersected and how it should be covered by the media.

Panelists included Carl Eller, retired Vikings defensive end and one of the illustrious Purple People Eaters; Rebekkah Brunson, Lynx forward; and Ray Richardson, KMOJ radio personality and former sportswriter for the Pioneer Press.

The panel was moderated by Rana L. Cash, NFL editor at the Star Tribune.

The panelists had a frank and open discussion on controversial subjects from NFL players kneeling during the National Anthem to Lynx players wearing T-shirts addressing the Philando Castile shooting.

Eller noted the tradition of players standing at attention for the national anthem started with longtime Vikings coach Bud Grant and his players. Brunson spoke about differences between players’ freedom of expression in professional football and professional basketball.

Richardson spoke about the different expectations for black players and white players to comment and participate in demonstrations.

Video of the panel can be viewed here. The Star Tribune published a story on the event and The Mankato Free Press published an editorial.