USF football team returns to practice after calling off Thursday’s workout

A day after opting not to practice in response to renewed calls for social justice across the sports landscape, USF returned to practice on campus Friday morning.

The Bulls were among a number of college programs to call off practice Thursday in the wake of social unrest over the police shooting of Jacob Blake, a Black man in Wisconsin.

The NBA, WNBA and NHL also chose not to play Thursday. Locally, the Orioles-Rays game was postponed.

“Ever since June, it’s been a lot of learning, a lot of listening and lot of supporting for all of us involved,” USF athletic director Michael Kelly told radio station 620-AM Friday morning.

“And I’m pleased with the way that our student-athletes — really from all sports but football’s been the most visible with them being on campus the most — have shared their feelings from the heart, to express their frustrations, do it in a way that their coaches can hear them out, can respond, that we all can. It’s been amazing.”