'Syracuse Eight' to Receive Chancellor's Medal for Courage

Read the press conference transcript

In 1970, a group of Syracuse University football team members, known today as the “Syracuse 8”, showed extraordinary courage and commitment by calling for the equal treatment of student-athletes and a diverse coaching staff. As talented scholarship athletes, these men were aware of the potential consequences of their actions. Despite this risk, they took a strong, principled stand. When their calls for action were not honored, they made the difficult decision to leave the team and give up a game they loved and the potential success it could bring.

Syracuse University honors the courage and commitment of these men to stand up for the principles of fairness and equality – and today they stand as a beacon for us as we work each day toward a more just university, community and society.

Although mistakenly dubbed the “Syracuse 8” by media reports in 1970, the group included nine individuals. They are Gregory Allen ’72, Richard Bulls ’73, John Godbolt ’73, Dana Harrell ’71, G73, John Lobon ’73, Clarence “Bucky” McGill ’72, A. Alif Muhammad ’71, Duane Walker ’80 and Ron Womack ’71.

The group spoke at a press conference in the Iocolano-Petty Football Wing at Manley Field House this afternoon. The complete video is available on suathletics.com (top right of the page).

At a special ceremony tonight (Friday, October 20) in Lender Auditorium in the Whitman School of Management building, SU Chancellor and President Dr. Nancy Cantor will award these former Orange football players SU’s Chancellor’s Medal.

“These events will celebrate the courage and determination of the ‘Syracuse 8’ to stand up for their values and principles, even in the face of great personal sacrifice,” Cantor said. “These alumni are emblematic of the values we want for our students and for ourselves when we face critical issues of justice and equality. Their courage 36 years ago stands today as a beacon and lesson for all of us as we continue to strive for a more just university, community and society.”

On Saturday, October 21, at halftime of the Syracuse-Louisville football game, the group will be recognized and presented with their SU Letterman’s jackets, which they never received after leaving the team.

“This is an awesome recognition of men who stood up for something they truly believed would make the world a better place,” said Director of Athletics Dr. Daryl Gross. “These are men who sacrificed playing the sport they loved to stimulate conversation and action that would create change and needed awareness. This is a celebration of their tremendous courage, commitment and bravery. This is about welcoming back our family and recognizing.”

In 2005, several of the players returned to campus for a special panel discussion on the events surrounding the “Syracuse 8.” Following that event, alumnus Art Monk ’80 led an effort to create a special University committee to consider, and ultimately plan, a formal SU recognition and honoring of the group. Committee members included Monk, Gregory Allen ’72, Dave Bing ’66, Peter J. Estrada ’82, Daryl Gross, Carmen Harlow ’78, John L. Johnson, Floyd Little ’67, John Lobon ’73, Larry Martin, Angela Y. Robinson ’78, Diane M. Weathers ’71, Barry L. Wells and Roosevelt R. “Rick” Wright Jr. G’93.

Monk, Robinson and Weathers are among those participating in Friday’s medal ceremony.

Syracuse University Athletics

'Syracuse Eight' to Receive Chancellor's Medal for Courage

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