Urban Meyer says racism 'must be addressed' during televised speech to Ohio's graduating HS class

Former Ohio State football coach Urban Meyer used his televised keynote speech to graduating seniors of Ohio’s high schools to address the horrific death of George Floyd and racism in America on Saturday night.

Meyer was asked to be the keynote speaker for Saturday’s televised event, honoring the Class of 2020 across the state of Ohio. during his speech, the former head coach called the death of Floyd “horrific” and said racism “must be addressed.”

The killing of Floyd has led to nationwide protests.

“One of the most horrific videos surfaced last week in front of our very eyes,” Meyer said, according to Eleven Warriors. “A black man, George Floyd, died at the hands of a police officer as others watched. This video was absolutely horrific. People across our nation were enraged, and rightfully so.

“I grew up in a much less complicated world, or at least it seemed to be. But today your challenges are as complicated as ever, in the history of our country. Challenges of politics, racism, relationship with law enforcement, financial hardships, mental health and a pandemic among many more.

“Our nation has made great progress in providing opportunity, freedom and prosperity to all people. Yet after these events of this past week, there’s obviously so much more work to be done. Racism exists. It’s evil, it’s real and it must be addressed. Those who violate our basic human rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness need to be held accountable. Justice must prevail.”

Meyer also urged the graduating class to help be part of the solution to end racism in the country.

Several other former Ohio State athletes and coaches sent video messages to the graduating class on Saturday night. Jack Nicklaus, Archie Griffin, Kirk Herbstreit, Eddie George and Clark Kellogg, along with a few others, also pitched in.