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USF Player Throws Biggest Block Off Field

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 24, 2007

As far back as the 17th century, the N-word, as it is called in its cleaned-up form, was the most despicable slur you could say to a black American. But in today's hip-hop culture, the word has evolved from a slur to a term of endearment for some young people, albeit with an alternative form of spelling.

Now, thankfully, a young black athlete is putting his foot down. After reading a column about the word's tortured use in society, specifically in locker rooms, Walter Walker told football teammates at the University of South Florida that he would no longer tolerate its use.

Granted, when you are a 6-foot-5, 333-pound tackle, people listen up. Still, Walker's decision to stare down a cultural slur stands as an example of moral courage. If he can influence his friends, Walker's impact may be bigger than all the blocks he throws this year.

'What he's going against is a youth culture phenomenon that is reinforced from rap video and rap records to common parlance on the street,' said Dr. Harry Edwards, a prominent sports psychologist who in the 1960s encouraged black athletes to become more socially active. 'That took a tremendous amount of courage, a degree of independent thinking.'

What motivated Walker? Perhaps it was his tour of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute when the team visited Alabama for the PapaJohns.com Bowl.

Perhaps he saw memorabilia from the marches called by Dr. Martin Luther King to defeat Jim Crow. Or perhaps he read King's 'Letter From Birmingham Jail' that so eloquently explained why the struggle for equality couldn't and wouldn't slow down.

Whatever the reason, Walker's stand makes many of those who fought for civil rights proud.

If only more athletes and role models would stand with him, kids would find it uncool to use this despicable term.

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