WASHINGTON (TND) — Baltimore Ravens player Kyle Hamilton took to social media Thursday with a creative suggestion to ensure equity in the NFL Draft.
Thursday night’s draft saw University of Southern California quarterback Caleb Williams taken first overall by the Chicago Bears. Teams then went on to take 13 consecutive offensive players until the Indianapolis Colts ended the streak by selecting University of California, Los Angeles defensive end Laiatu Latu.
Hamilton, a star defensive player for the Ravens, jokingly proposed the league implement a controversial initiative to ensure more fairness in the draft.
“no defense in the top 14?” Hamilton wrote on X. “we need affirmative action in the draft for defenders [laughing crying emoji].”His comment refers to a practice of allocating resources to benefit individuals from disadvantaged groups. The Supreme Court in 2023 struck down such practices in college admissions when it ruled schools could no longer consider an applicant’s race in admissions decisions. Some decried the ruling by arguing it would harm minorities.
A Gallup poll in Jan. showed that most Americans feel the Supreme Court decision was a good one. Overall, 68% of adults agreed striking down affirmative action was “mostly a good thing.” When examined by race, 52% of Black Americans supported the decision.
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Critics are now turning to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts on college campuses. A Harvard professor, in an editorial for the university's newspaper this month, blasted mandatory DEI statements, calling for them to be immediately abandoned.
NFL players have made similar head-turning suggestions in the past. Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall in December suggested the league host a "Pro Bowl with an All-Black vs. All-White bowl."
Follow Jackson Walker on X at @_jlwalker_ for the latest trending national news. Have a news tip? Send it to jacwalker@sbgtv.com.
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