Emmitt Smith, a Pro Football Hall of Fame running back, made headlines with his caustic statements about his old university, the University of Florida, when the school terminated all DEI — diversity, equality, and inclusion — responsibilities in response to a contentious state law approved in 2023.
During an interview with Sports, Smith reaffirmed the remark he made on social media and explained why he spoke out at the time.
“When I see them destroying DEI for the sake of politics…it’s not even common sense,” Smith said. “This is simply out of malice and raw strength.
The contentious state statute in question prohibited Florida’s public universities and colleges from spending any money on DEI.
