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St. John’s basketball ahead of NCAA’s suggestion regarding Election Day

By Kevin Connelly

NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 17: Head coach Mike Anderson of the St. John's basketball team talks to his team just prior to their Big East Conference game against the Xavier Musketeers at Madison Square Garden on February 17, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Porter Binks/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 17: Head coach Mike Anderson of the St. John's basketball team talks to his team just prior to their Big East Conference game against the Xavier Musketeers at Madison Square Garden on February 17, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Porter Binks/Getty Images) /
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The St. John’s basketball program is already ahead of the curve surrounding the NCAA’s suggestion about Election Day.

As college athletes take center stage trying to invoke change in the world after the murder of George Floyd, many athletic programs are taking the next step in insuring its players have their voices heard.

Election Day in the United States of America is on November 3, right in the middle of the fall athletic calendar and right at the beginning of the college basketball season.

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However, Mike Anderson, like many other coaches around the country, is giving St. John’s off in order to ensure his players vote and have their voice heard.

The news of St. John’s getting the day off was first reported by Zach Braziller of the New York Post and days later the NCAA released statement that it is suggesting all programs give its athletes the day off in order to vote on November 3.

In a story also written by Braziller, Anderson explained how the recent racial injustices have truly hit home for him as an African-American head coach and he has spoken with his team on multiple occasions on what to do next and how to create change as a team.

It was only days ago since President Conrado “Bobby” Gempesaw released a statement on behalf of St. John’s University that condemned all forms of violence and racism, but then shortly after that statement Athletic Director Mike Cragg had to make more remarks after the school fired assistant fencing coach Boris Vaksman.

ALSO READ: St. John’s University President Conrado “Bobby” Gempesaw to retire

A video surfaced of Vaksman making serious and obscene comments regarding African-Americans in the United States, one that rightly caused and uproar on social media involving all those connected with the school.

However, many complimented Cragg and the university for how quickly they reacted in the firing of Vaksman after the video was brought to light.

ALSO READ: Mike Anderson addresses Class of 2020 graduates

After years of questionable leadership in athletics at St. John’s University, it appears as if the school has it right with the team of Mike Cragg and Mike Anderson, along with the dozens of other coaches, administrators, and staff leading the Red Storm.