(Minneapolis, MN) — University of Minnesota star wide receiver Rashod Bateman is using his platform as a high profile college football player to try to push for social change. The Tifton, Georgia native just completed his sophomore season and says the death of George Floyd broke his heart, but also scared him. He says having the incident happen in the city he now calls home awoke him to take a stand and work hard to make things better. Bateman says he has attended a peaceful protest and continues to use his social media platforms to raise awareness on racial inequality. Bateman says he is proud that head coach P-J Fleck allows the team to use its voice to help the greater good and he says the Gopher football team is a family. He says his dream is to wake up and have everyone love everyone the same way. Bateman is the reigning Big Ten Conference Wide Receiver of the Year after catching 60 passes for 1,219 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2019. The receiving yards and receiving touchdowns were the second best in a single season in program history.
Gopher star receiver Rashod Bateman spoke with MNN Sports Director Mike Grimm:
gophers wide receiver Rashod Bateman (13)