{
  "id": 7930040,
  "title": "College Football is For Everyone",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/college-football-is-for-everyone",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-17T02:19:24.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/college-football-everyone-021924404.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "College football is a sport that belongs to everyone, regardless of their background or identity. As an Indian American sports fan, writer, and former Rutgers graduate, the author found themselves fully embracing the role of a Scarlet Knights supporter. They understand the passion and commitment that comes with rooting for a college sports team, no matter what struggles they face.\n\nThe author was shocked by the reaction to a photo of South Asian students cheering for the University of Texas football team after their win over Ohio State. Bo French, a Republican nominee for Texas Railroad Commissioner, saw the photo and was disturbed by the students' appearance, believing it was evidence of a problem. French suggested that their presence was evidence of a larger issue in American sports culture, but the author found this view to be both xenophobic and factually incorrect.\n\nThe students in the photo were simply enjoying a college football game, just like any other American college student. The author questioned how the photo could have overshadowed the incredible comeback victory by the Longhorns against Ohio State, a team they should not have beaten. The author then reflected on their own university, Rutgers, and the diverse student body it houses.\n\nRutgers has students from various backgrounds, including international and Indian students, some of whom have been playing football for the Scarlet Knights for generations. The author highlighted the success of top Indian American kicker Jai Patel, who set program records while playing for Rutgers. This demonstrates that students of all backgrounds can and do embrace college football.\n\nThe author also emphasized that attending sporting events and other American campus traditions is not mandatory, and attendance is welcomed with open arms. They stressed that participation from minorities and foreign students should not be treated as an issue or problem, as it is a natural part of the diverse American university experience.\n\nThe author pointed out that many of the students in the photo are American citizens, despite Bo French's claims to the contrary. Dhairya Gupta, who moved to the United States as a child, and Rahul Kodali, born in Syracuse, New York, both shared their perspectives on the hateful tweet with The Dallas Morning News. They affirmed that their identity as Americans does not change their enthusiasm for supporting Texas football.\n\nIn conclusion, college football is a sport that should be inclusive and welcoming to all, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or background. The author challenged Bo French's xenophobic and racist statement and called for a more positive and accepting attitude towards college sports, where everyone can cheer for their favorite team without fear of discrimination or ridicule.",
  "summary": "How an emotionally difficult week in college football, for nothing to do with the games, can help us all do better",
  "key_points": [
    "College football is inclusive for all backgrounds and identities",
    "Students cheering for Texas after win not evidence of cultural issue",
    "Rutgers has diverse Indian American football players and fans"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}