Urban Meyer Apologizes To Gay, Lesbian Rights Group Over Practice Jersey Color

Thursday March 8, 2012 3:45 PM
UPDATED: Friday March 9, 2012 9:31 AM

Ohio State football coach Urban Meyer recently sent a letter of apology to a gay and lesbian rights group after it learned he planned to hand out lavender shirts to players caught loafing at practice.

The March 1 letter that Meyer sent to Scarlet & Gay: Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Alumni Society, said that the football program has taken steps to change the color.

The group said that lavender is the predominant color associated with the gay and lesbian community.

In the letter, Meyer referred to the color as purple.

"The use of purple was never intended to be used to offend anyone, but since it has, we have taken steps to change the color," Meyer wrote. "Bias has absolutely no role in how we think or operate."

In a February news conference, linebacker Etienne Sabino said that no player wanted to have to wear the lavender jersey.

Tim Valentine, the group's president, told 10TV News that the group was happy with Ohio State's response to their concerns.

Meyer took over as Ohio State coach in November and instituted the different jersey color in January for the team's off-season workouts.

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WEB EXTRA:  Read Letter From Meyer (PDF) | SPECIAL SECTION:  Ohio State Football

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