Editor’s note: With allegations of racial injustice engulfing the Iowa football team, HawkFanatic.com reached out to the father of a future Hawkeye to get his thoughts. Roy Higgins, the father of incoming freshman linebacker Jay Higgins from Indianapolis, agreed to share his thoughts.

The first four words of Freshmen is key at such a time as this.

We all need a “Fresh” start.

A fresh start in understanding the pain and emotions of those who have be traumatized by past racism and discriminations in all nationalities in particular the African American race.

A fresh start with best practices in being a part of the change instead of the chaos.

A fresh start in listening as Coach Ferentz has placed emphasis on. A fresh start in understanding that we have all beeen created and designed to live in unity yet while respecting culture differences. Acts 17:26.

But at this current time my focus is on my family and son that while we are concerned about things and maybe truths that have been shared on social media, our goal for our son is to remain focused on the tact that is at hand.

We didn’t build him with love from the ground up to let what is going on in the world rob him of his destiny.

In closing, I’m so excited for my son as well as all the new 2020 family. Iowa football has a history of developing great young men and that’s the place my son, who will be wearing #34, has chosen to get an education and swarm.

That’s the goal of our family. Because one day that ball will go flat and I want to know that my son was a part of the change the world called upon in 2020.

Let’s go Hawks. Its time for a change. The best is yet to come.

Higginized

FROM MY HEART AS A FATHER! Iowa City. Iowa Police. Iowa University. Iowa Football. Iowa Coaching staff. Iowa administration and faculty. Iowa community. Iowa fan base. Next weekend Im giving you My best. Please Handle my son with care . Let's Swarm together in Love Higginized

— Roy Higgins III. (@higginized) June 7, 2020