As most of us are aware by now, the NCAA received pressure from a number of entities to take a stand on the issues surrounding the Confederate battle flag. Those who pushed for the Association to take a stand -- and who framed the question for the NCAA -- cleverly constructed a means for the Association to voice a political agenda.

Quite simply, we believe that the NCAA should not get in the habit of addressing such issues. To create an apparatus within the NCAA that involves it in the political arena and ultimately allows it to take political stands is detrimental to the Association's foremost objectives as a group dedicated to the well-being of student-athletes.

We as student-athletes at the collegiate level are inherently placed under what we consider to be a microscope. Our lives as both students and as competitors are closely observed by peers, student bodies, administrators, coaches and others. We are subject to criticism and critique from an academic and athletics point of view. Those who pressed for a stand on the Confederate flag issue knowingly took the "magnify dial" into their own hands by maneuvering for our support. This can only lead to further exposure and scrutiny in a political quibble with which the NCAA ought not to be involved.

Let us for a moment consider how the NCAA could potentially treat such matters. The Association could feasibly take a stand on an issue in one of two ways. The only really fair way to represent the NCAA is to poll student-athletes on their personal feelings toward the matter to try and reach some sort of consensus -- a highly complicated and impractical process. Or, the NCAA could through its governance structure advocate an all-encompassing sentiment, perhaps disregarding the voice of its member student-athletes -- again, an inefficient representation.

This is not to say that student-athletes should forsake their individual and personal rights to become politically active. "Where we stand" and what we are saying is that the NCAA as an organization is not the proper avenue to pursue such political agendas.

With this in mind, we need only to turn to the mission of the NCAA. Its overriding purpose is to promote the quality standards relevant to the well-being of student-athletes. In taking on this task -- and recognizing the strides and accomplishments already made in that regard -- the NCAA has earned a unique integrity that sets it apart from other like-minded institutions. Choosing a side in the Confederate flag issue or similar issues works against that very intent. The clear and deliberate attempt to politically mobilize the NCAA draws an unclear line as to with what issues it should later be involved. The hard-fought standards of integrity and diversity would greatly suffer.

We wish to reiterate that we are not necessarily backing away from a stand. Just because we have decided to not choose a side doesn't mean we have not taken a stand. We have chosen our indicated side, that of staying out of the issue. This is a direct response to those who urged that the NCAA take a position and to those uncertain of what the NCAA should do in this situation. We believe the NCAA should stand apart and ultimately above political issues. We think the Association should continue to remain firmly rooted in the principles and convictions dedicated to the well-being of student-athletes.