After hanging for more than 50 years, the Confederate battle flag at South Carolina’s State House finally was taken down July 9 amid protests following last month’s tragic shooting at a Charleston church. The state’s decision to remove the flag received plenty of praise, and South Carolina football coach Steve Spurrier joined the chorus Tuesday.
Spurrier had adamantly opposed the display of the battle flag for many years, and the Ol’ Ball Coach was asked about the state’s decision during Tuesday’s SEC media day in Hoover, Ala.
Predictably, the Gamecocks coach commended the state’s efforts.
“It was a tragedy, obviously, nine innocent people to be killed like that,” Spurrier told reporters, referring to the horrific events in Charleston. “I applaud our governor for setting the initiative to remove the flag.
“Obviously, all of us in college sports, we know the importance of equality, race relations, everybody getting along. I know all over South Carolina was happy and glad to see the flag come down.”
Spurrier, though, shifted from his somber tone and lightened the mood when asked why he’s still coaching at age 70.
“Well, I forgot to get fired, and I’m not going to cheat,” Spurrier joked, per FTW’s Nina Mandell and Greg Presto.
“The number on your years is not what’s important,” he said, “it’s whether you can function.”
Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@YahooSports
