Emmitt Smith again criticizes Florida, his alma mater, for eliminating DEI functions: 'It's not even common sense'

Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith made waves with his scathing comments to his alma mater, the University of Florida, after they eliminated all DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) functions at the school based on a controversial state law passed in 2023.

Smith doubled down on the statement he made via social media during an interview with USA TODAY Sports, in which the 55-year-old explained why he spoke out when he did.

“When I see them destroying DEI for the sake of politics… it's not even common sense,” Smith explained. “This is simply out of spite and pure power.

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Emmitt Smith at the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards from the Ford Center at The Star on May 11, 2023 in Frisco, Texas. (Gilbert Flores/Penske Media via Getty Images)

“At the end of the day, this country was built on people fighting for what is right for everyone, not just a select few. And that fight, and the fact that the University of Florida is as visible as it is “It bothered me to the max.”

The controversial state law in question prohibited Florida's public colleges and universities from spending on DEI.

Smith said he remembered the school's president saying: “'No, we're the University of Florida. We'll be here a lot longer than you, (Governor) Ron DeSantis, a lot longer than you, Jeb Bush. ; we'll be here a lot longer. '”

NFL LEGEND EMMITT SMITH DEGRADES UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA FOR ELIMINATING DEI POSITIONS

Unfortunately for Smith, that's not the case now and he had to let his voice be known as an alumnus.

“I was extremely disappointed,” Smith said, beginning that statement by explaining that he still feels a part of the university after earning his degree there. “Because when I was in college, and everywhere I've been, they always talked about leadership… and how we needed to become leaders, especially athletes.”

But college athletics certainly isn't the same now compared to when Smith was lighting it up for the Gators on the gridiron. Name, image and likeness (NIL) trademark agreements allow student-athletes to profit from their fame.

To that point, Smith wants Florida to pay now.

“Bro, I want to get my fix right now from the University of Florida,” he said. “I want to send you (expletive) a bill. I want interest on mine… When you looked up at those stands, you saw a bunch of E. Smith jerseys up there. E. Smith 22. You can look at the old videos and see how many jerseys were out there out there and I didn't receive a single red cent.

Smith added: “Let's not talk about dismantling DEI at a time when I think DEI turns out to be a consequence of NIL. You get one, they take the other away. It's strategic.”

Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys waits for the ball with former Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith before the game against the Buffalo Bills at AT&T Stadium on November 28, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Richard Rodríguez/Getty Images)

As USA TODAY Sports notes, DEI initiatives have retreated not only in Florida, but also at other schools and even corporate America.

“That all fell by the wayside,” Smith said when talking about DEI in corporations, especially those instituted after the death of George Floyd. “In other words, they said, 'This is for the moment.'

“So what makes you think they're going to do it now? They're trying to get rid of something that was a conduit to opening up opportunity, even for small and minority businesses.”

Smith knows from experience how minorities and small businesses are being affected considering his business acumen with his real estate projects in the Dallas-Fort Worth area since finishing his degree.

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In his previous statement about DEI programs in Florida, Smith sent a message to “MANY minority athletes at UF,” imploring them to “be aware and speak up about this decision by the University that is now closing the doors to others.” minorities without any surveillance.” He also said that those who don't say anything are “complicit in supporting systemic issues.”

He gave a similar message to USA TODAY Sports.

“If you're going to go to a college, make sure you go to one that's open-minded,” he said. “Don't always think about yourself. And when you think about others, think about the decision the University of Florida just made regarding the DEI program. It could affect your family. It could affect your father and your mother, to your sister or your friend who is starting a business and wants to do business in the state of Florida.

Smith was a three-time Super Bowl champion and four-time All-Pro while with the Dallas Cowboys during his 15-year NFL career (the last two seasons were with the Arizona Cardinals).