Sampson likes rule to allow patches
Calling it a way to “keep a movement in the forefront,” University of Houston men’s basketball coach Kelvin Sampson applauded Thursday’s decision by the NCAA to allow college athletes in all sports to wear patches on their uniforms that feature causes they support, including social justice issues.
As part of the new rule approved by the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel, players will be permitted to have one patch on the front of the uniform and one on the back. The rule is effective beginning in 2020.
The move comes at a time protests in the U.S. and around the world have called to address police violence and systemic racism. Members of the UH men’s basketball team participated in peaceful protests in June following the death of George Floyd, a Black man who died in police custody in Minneapolis.
Nearly two dozen players and staff members attended a public viewing of Floyd in Houston.
“We have an opportunity that is ongoing,” Sampson said. “There is so much great work that’s being done undercover right now that’s going to hit the light of day eventually. The way a moment continues to a movement is keep it in the forefront of people’s thoughts. Make sure it’s in their vision.”
The patch on the front or sleeve may not exceed 2¼ square inches and “may be a commemorative or memorial patch (names, mascots, nicknames, logos and marks) intended to celebrate or memorialize people, events or other causes,” the NCAA said in a statement.
Players can replace their names on the back of the jerseys with a cause they support. The names or words may vary by team member. All patches must be approved by the school or conference.
“We’ll come up with what’s appropriate, what we deem important,” Sampson said. “I think its important that we keep this movement alive. The last thing we want to have had is a moment.”
Sampson said the Cougars “will be unified” in whatever message is chosen.
Guard Jarreau returns to workouts
UH senior guard DeJon Jarreau returned to workouts this week after testing positive for COVID-19 earlier this month.
Jarreau was quarantined for 10 days and cleared to return after two negative tests.
“He’s back working out and doing good,” coach Kelvin Sampson said.
All-Academic team record set with 226
UH had a school record 226 student-athletes named to the American Athletic Conference All-Academic team Thursday. It marked the third straight year with at least 200 student-athletes named to the team.
At least four student-athletes from each of the 17 sponsored sports were named to the academic team, led by the women’s track and field/cross country program wit 43. Women’s swimming and diving had 31.