Hopkins omits Clemson in player intros due to 'oppressive' school figure

Arizona Cardinals wideout DeAndre Hopkins revealed Monday why he doesn't mention his alma mater, Clemson, during player intros on NFL broadcasts.

Hopkins shared in an Instagram post that he's bothered that the school celebrates John C. Calhoun - a slave owner and pro-slavery politician - with its honors program.

"I felt this oppressive figure during my time at Clemson and purposely do not mention the university's name before NFL games because of it," Hopkins wrote.

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As we watch everything happening in the world, I want to bring up something that has been bothering me for a long time in my community. Clemson University still honors the name of well known slave owner and pro-slavery politician John C. Calhoun on its buildings, signs, and in the name of its honors program. I felt this oppressive figure during my time at Clemson and purposely do not mention the University's name before NFL games because of it. I am joining the voices of the students and faculty who have restarted this petition to rename the Calhoun Honors College. I urge all Clemson students, football players, and alumni to join us, so the next generation of young Black leaders can be proud of the institution they graduate from. Now is the time for change. Please help us by signing and sharing this petition here: tinyurl.com/calhounpetition

A post shared by @ deandrehopkins on Jun 8, 2020 at 1:51pm PDT

Instead, Hopkins names Daniel High School on "Sunday Night Football" broadcasts.

Hopkins and former Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson have signed a petition to rename the school's honors college.

Clemson University still honors the name of slave owner John C. Calhoun on its buildings, signs, and in the name of its honors program. I am joining the voices of the students and faculty to restarted this petition to rename the Calhoun Honors College. https://t.co/1198BZ8FeS pic.twitter.com/xQmXmBPUeW

- Deandre Hopkins (@DeAndreHopkins) June 8, 2020

Clemson University should not honor slave owner John C. Calhoun in any way. His name should be removed from all University property and programming. I am joining the students, faculty & DeAndre to restart this petition to rename the Calhoun Honors College.https://t.co/GdhtCZKFnZ

- Deshaun Watson (@deshaunwatson) June 9, 2020

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