AUSTIN, Texas - There was still no school band but the song still played. And this time, the Texas players stayed on the field for "The Eyes of Texas."
While some sang with the crowd, others stayed quiet. Some put up the traditional "Hook'em Horns" hand sign, while others in the back kept their arms down.
AUSTIN, TX - OCTOBER 24: Texas Longhorn players honor the team song "The Eyes of Texas" after 27 - 13 win over the Baylor Bears on October 24, 2020, at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, TX. (Photo by John Rivera/Icon Sportswire via Ge …
Regardless of who sang or just stood around after Texas beat Baylor 27-16 on Saturday, Texas school officials got exactly what they wanted: The Longhorns stood on the field together and it appeared nobody left in protest.
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Few Longhorn players remain on field for “The Eyes of Texas”
Only a few University of Texas football players remained following the team's loss to Oklahoma over the weekend but it wasn't just the defeat that kept them away. Many players don't want to be on the field while the university's alma mater song plays. FOX 7 Austin's Shannon Ryan has more.
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"When it comes to the team, within the team, my honest opinion was it wasn't an issue. But hopefully we can all put this behind us and we can move forward and just focus on ball," said defensive lineman and co-captain Ta'Quon Graham.
The postgame ritual had erupted in controversy the last few weeks when most of the team left the field without staying to sing after Texas' first two home games and again in Dallas after a loss to Oklahoma. The issue had been brewing since the summer, when a group of players objected to the song because of its ties to racist elements in school history.
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Member of Texas Longhorns football staff speaks after march
University of Texas football Director of Player Development Kevin Washington speaks to those who joined in on the demonstrations against racial injustice and gathered for a march from the 40 Acres to the State Capitol.
As fan anger brewed, school officials mobilized with public statements supporting the song and a team meeting to urge the players back on the field.
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Several Longhorn band members still saying they won’t perform The Eyes of Texas
With the first home football game around the corner, several Longhorn band members are still saying they won't be performing The Eyes of Texas.
RELATED: Longhorn band expected to perform "The Eyes of Texas"
Athletic director Chris Del Conte said there was an "expectation" players at least stand "in unison" for the song to honor the school and fans. School President Jay Hartzell and the Board of Regents issued statements that "The Eyes of Texas" would remain the school song.
"We made a decision as a team to stand out and sing "The Eyes," quarterback Sam Ehlinger said after the game. "Moving forward, I would assume that's what it's going to be."
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