Louisiana Head Coach Billy Napier is entering his 3rd season with the Cajuns.
Over that span, Napier says he can count on one hand how many times he's gone to sleep at night and felt like he failed his team.
Friday was one of those night. After UL athletes marched from the Moncla practice facility to a Lafayette police station, he felt remorseful.
"I think that it's okay for me to agree with my players, but its also okay to disagree with stopping at that police department," Napier said. "I think that's okay. I love my players. They know, they understand. I'll get back to back and fight for each one of them."
Coach Napier had a 15 minute opening statement to begin the Cajuns weekly Zoom presser today. He called the "United" march on Friday a success, but said going to the police station was wrong and a "teachable moment."
He also expressed his admiration for law enforcement and said the Cajuns will continue to have dialogue and build trust between the two sides.
"I think it's okay in our country right now, to be able to agree that we have a long way to go when it comes to equality, equity and opportunity, and that there is racism, and that black people get treated differently than other people at times," Napier explained. "I also think it's okay to have a strong and firm opinion about respecting authority and having respect for law enforcement and what they do."
Napier also said the Cajuns will be active next weekend, helping Hurricane Laura victims and participating in a police ride along.
You can watch the full statement and press conference above.
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