It was their off-field actions that helped set up the the showdown. Lawrence and Fields spoke out on social justice issues and were outspoken to ensure players’ views were heard in discussions about having a season amid the coronavirus pandemic. College athletes were angered by the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and others. They also were disheartened and confused by questions if they would or should play as the virus raged throughout the country. Both steadied their teammates and gave fans something to rally around through their words and actions, Veal said. “They were leaders when their teams needed them,” he said.