Pro, college athletes want University of Cincinnati baseball stadium to be renamed amid protests

Several pro and college athletes are asking the University of Cincinnati to change the name of their baseball stadium amid the George Floyd protests.

The baseball stadium is named after former Cincinnati Reds owner Marge Schott.

The Chicago Tribune reported that Schott was suspended by Major League Baseball in 1993 for using racial slurs.

MLB suspended her again from 1996-98 for her racist comments towards employees and players, the Associated Press reported.

The AP reported that Schott was forced by MLB to sell the Reds in 1999 after praising Adolf Hitler.

Now, a Change.org petition was created by current Bearcats player Jordan Ramey to have the baseball stadium at the university changed.

“We have a responsibility to develop our kids for the future,” Ramey said. “Black kids should not be made to play and represent a name such as hers, and white kids should not be celebrating her legacy subconsciously. As a community of former and current players, staff, students, alums, and Cincinnatians alike, we will not be promoting her or her legacy any longer. We demand change for the betterment of society, and to push the values that represent what we believe in as a community."

According to Sports Illustrated, former MLB player Kevin Youkilis, who played baseball at the university, thinks its time for a change.