Last night in Purchase, New York, Stevens Tech rallied to defeat Manhattanville College 52-48, knocking Manhattanville out of the Skyline Conference Tournament. Despite this, Manhattanville's and protester Toni Smith's season still may not be over. Manhattanville may qualify for any one of two post-season tournaments. Bids for both the ECAC and the NYSCWAA tournaments will be announced on Monday.
UPDATE: For the first time, I've been able to find Smith's complete statement to the media concerning her protest. I'm posting it here in its entirety. My source is ESPN.com:
For some time now, the inequalities that are embedded into the American system have bothered me. As they are becoming progressively worse and it is clear that the government's priorities are not bettering the quality of life for all of it's people, but rather on expanding it's own power, I can no longer, in good conscience, salute the flag.The war America will soon be entering in has reinforced my beliefs, while further angering me. I am aware that this is a time of fear for many Americans, and the media has done a fine job of maintaining that fear and riling up people's emotions. However, amidst this fear people have lost sight of the fact that Bush's plan for "maintaining our safety" will cause many innocent people, women and children, mothers and babies, to die overseas. Furthermore, going to war will likely provoke more violence in this country.
It does not bother me that so many Americans oppose me. If anyone looked deeper than the headlines they would find that my arguments are true. Besides, whether or not people agree with me is irrelevant. It is my right as an American to stand for my beliefs the way others have done against me. Being patriotic cannot simply be an empty slogan. Patriotrism can be shown in many ways, but those who choose to do so by saluting the flag should recognize that the American flag stands for individuality and freedom. Therefore, any true patriot must acknowledge and respect my right to be different.
For another opposing view on Smith's protest, here's a link to Ralph Wiley's column at ESPN.com's Page 2.:
Toni Smith's statement was brief. To acknowledge those who have died for the country, you have to acknowledge those who died to claim it, then build it up. Agree or disagree with her method of illustration, her point is still lucid, logical, well-taken, and at the end of the day, irrefutable. Life will teach her its lessons. But she was born with the freedom to speak up. To tell her to shut up because she's "wrong," or because she's an athlete, or because this isn't the proper venue or time only increases the hypocrisy.
Sorry, Ralph. Just because Smith has freedom of speech, doesn't exempt her from hearing from others who disagree with her. In fact, when compared to the actions of many other so-called "anti-war" protesters (comparing President Bush to Hitler, for just one example), those who have taken issue with Smith have been relatively tame.
I respect Toni Smith’s courage. It seems that ever since 9/11 no one is allowed to dissent or speak out against our government. You go girl!
Dissent is an unalienable right of all citizens in the US. However, uninformed and naive dissent is a danger to all. Ms. Smith cites her right to individual expression, but by turning her back on her flag (a gesture intended to be congruous with turning her back on her country), she turns her back on the very source of that right. In addition, she is incorrect in asserting that “(her) argument is true.” While it may be valid, it cannot be assumed to be true. Ms. Smith may want to consider enrolling in Logic 101 before graduation. Be careful not to cross the street in front of me, Ms. Smith, and be sure to actually read some news and information in order to make an informed decision (not just a decision to make you popular with college friends).
Everyone in this country is so turned around that at somepoint we are all going to have to start searching for our brains. We aren’t even sure what to oppose anymore. Atleast Toni has an individual opinion and has the balls (lack of a better word) to stand by it. We call her “young” and “uninformed” and think she doesn’t know what American history stand for. I think she understands that “fighting for peace is like having sex for virginity”. There should be more Toni’s in this country. It’s a shame they’re aren’t. And it’s a shame that America is in a frenzy over some 21 year D-3 hoops player who is just exercising her right to be an American.
i agree with Toni she stod up for what she belived in, the flag stands for freedom and she has the freedom to do what she wants to get her point across she has the goots to do whats right
go Toni
“hose who have taken issue with Smith have been relatively tame.”
You clearly haven’t read many of those comments. Many have said that she should leave the country. Many have called her a commie. Ted Daly in his comment here makes a threat of violence–”Be careful not to cross the street in front of me, Ms. Smith”.
Toni Smith has far more courage, and is far more lucid in her statement, than has been shown by her detractors.
I’m writing about Toni Smith’s actions for a scholarship application essay. The topic: a cuurent contraversial issue. The scholarship: Air Force Sergeants Association. I have been doing a lot of research on Toni’s comments and happened upon Manhattenville’s website. One of Toni’s favorite quotes is “It will be a great day when our schools get all the money they need and the military has to hold a bake sale to buy a bomber.”
As the daughter of a retired Air National Gaurdsman, I find that quote to be insulting. Where would this country be today without the help of the bombers you think we should have a bake sale to buy, Toni? I don’t think you should leave the country, although it might be a great learning experience. I just think you need to do a little research of your own to find out what your beliefs really are.