Earleywine asks his players to end protest

Mizzou softball coach Ehren Earleywine is asking his players to end their protest of the athletic department.

Earleywine sent this message to ABC 17 News Friday afternoon.

“The support from my team over the past couple of weeks has been the greatest compliment I’ve ever been paid by my players in 23 years of coaching. I am beyond grateful for those who were/are in my corner and will never forget what they did on my behalf.

Now that the administration, media and public know the facts and their stance, I would like for them to end the Protest and allow Mack Rhoades and his staff to do their job uninterrupted.

I do understand that the players not only have a constitutional right to their opinion and freedom of speech, but they also have a lawyer that is working with them to insure a fair and just process. I would also ask that the lawyer to “stand down” until a final decision has been made from our Administration.

I, like most Missourian’s, am frustrated with all of the negative media that has surrounded Mizzou over the past year or two and instead of being a part of the problem, I want to be a part of the solution.

I hope the players and their lawyer will honor my request so that the administration can do their job and we can focus our energy on playing softball and representing our state and this University to the best of our abilities.

And players – if you don’t do what I say, I may have to physical and emotionally beat you up…again. :)”