Syracuse Eight
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 professional success it could bring.
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, G ‘73, John Lobon ’73, Clarence “Bucky” McGill ’72, A. Alif Muhammad ’71, Duane Walker ’80 and Ron Womack ’71.
At a special ceremony in October 2006, former Syracuse University Chancellor and President Nancy Cantor awarded these former Orange football players SU’s Chancellor’s Medal.
“These events 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.”
The group was also recognized at halftime of the Syracuse football game against Louisville. During the ceremony the group was presented with their SU letterman’s jackets, which they never received after leaving the team.
In 2005, several of the players returned to campus for a 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 were among those who participated in the 2006 ceremony.
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, G ‘73, John Lobon ’73, Clarence “Bucky” McGill ’72, A. Alif Muhammad ’71, Duane Walker ’80 and Ron Womack ’71.
At a special ceremony in October 2006, former Syracuse University Chancellor and President Nancy Cantor awarded these former Orange football players SU’s Chancellor’s Medal.
“These events 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.”
The group was also recognized at halftime of the Syracuse football game against Louisville. During the ceremony the group was presented with their SU letterman’s jackets, which they never received after leaving the team.
In 2005, several of the players returned to campus for a 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 were among those who participated in the 2006 ceremony.
