Mississippi Rebels and Florida Gators players kneel before the game at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

Ole Miss, Florida kneel before kickoff in moment of unity

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 9/26/20

Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin revealed earlier this week that both his team and Florida were preparing a social justice demonstration ahead of the SEC's opening game at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on Saturday.

As teams lined up for the kickoff, all players and coaches on both teams took a knee in a showing of unity.

A showing of unity ❤️

Players and coaches on both teams took a knee ahead of Florida vs. Ole Miss. pic.twitter.com/cKqCJkorpy
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 26, 2020

Florida, the kicking team on the play, was called for a delay of game penalty, which Ole Miss declined.

This demonstration wasn't the first of its kind in college football this season. SEC athletics played a role in getting the Confederate emblem removed from the Mississippi state flag earlier this year. Among other things, this was one of the most powerful for those among the Ole Miss community and beyond.

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