(Facebook)
The football captain of Pace University in New York has been suspended after a photo emerged of him doing a Nazi salute while wearing a Confederate flag. The player, Tyler Owens, was featured in the pic which was leaked to the school’s paper, the Pace Chronicle. The photo appeared in the form of a Snapchat screenshot, it featured the caption “The grand wizard,” the name given to the leader of the Ku Klux Klan.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Owens Is Still Allowed to Attend Classes
(Screengrab via News 12)
In a statement given to News 12 Westchester, Pace University says that Owens has been suspended from the team and will not play until the school does a full investigation. He’s still allowed to attend classes. The statement said that the picture was taken in 2012. The Pace statements adds that the college “does not tolerate improper discrimination of any kind.” Owens had just been reelected to the captaincy at the time the photo was leaked.
2. An Ex-Girlfriend Is Rumored to Be Behind the Leak
(Screengrab via News 12)
The Pace Chronicle reports that they received the photo on September 6, given to them by an anonymous group of black students who wish to remain nameless. The paper notes the rumors around campus that Owens’ ex-girlfriend had leaked the photo, she denied that allegation. The Chronicle also quotes one of Owens’ former teammates Addison Casey coming to his captain’s defense saying “[Owens has] done so much for me. People are taking a joke out of context, it was a couple of guys messing around, they saw the [clothing], and jokingly put it on.” Casey and Owens played together from 2012 until 2014.
3. He’s a Criminal Justice Student at the School
(Facebook)
According to his Facebook page, Owens is studying Criminal Justice at Pace University. He’s a native of Quinton, New Jersey, and graduated from Salem High School in the summer of 2012. His social media page notes that he’s engaged and that he plays as a defensive end for his team. On his official profile, it says that he played in all of Pace University’s games last season.
4. He Was Recognized for a Scholarship in High School by the National Football Foundation
(Facebook)
In April 2012, Owens was honored by the National Football Foundation for his incredible season at Salem High School. The piece notes that his parents are Randy and Bonnie Owens of Quinton Township. According to his profile on the Pace University website about his high school years says:
First Team All-Conference DL and Second Team All-Conference OL as a senior at Salem High School…First Team All-Conference OL, Second Team All-Conference DL as a junior…All-Salem Defensive Team in both his junior and senior seasons…National Football Foundation Scholar Athlete.
5. This Isn’t the First Racism Issue Faced by Pace University
The late DJ Henry. (Facebook)
This isn’t the first racism issue faced by Pace University. In October 2010, one of the school’s football players Danroy “D.J.” Henry, was shot dead by police in Pleasantville, New York. The cop, Aaron Hess, allegedly dragged Henry from his car after shooting at the 20-year-old through Henry’s windshield. Medical responders first attended to Hess before looking at Henry. Henry’s family and supporters claim there has been a massive police cover-up and racism in the shooting.