Last week Oklahoma State running back Chuba Hubbard used Twitter to call for the resignation of Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater over what he saw as Praters heavy-handed treatment of social justice demonstrators.

Some of Hubbards followers went berserk. One with an OSU logo as his Twitter avatar requested that coach Mike Gundy stop recruiting commies who hate our country before calling for Hubbards deportation, presumably back to his Sherwood Park, Alberta, home.

Hubbard responded by tweeting a message clarifying: Everything Ive done in my life has been aimed towards making this world a better place; lamenting: Many people havent taken the time to see my side; admitting I have also made many mistakes like everyone else on this Earth; and declaring he was stepping away from his social media because it has become a playground for hate.

The majority of Hubbards followers responded reasonably if not supportively.

A sampling from the less tolerant went: I liked it better when you had Twitter deactivated! Your scholarship should be deactivated! And I hope he is kicked off the team. And Enough we will not be lectured by Canadians! Go home! And I thought I had heard the last of you Chuba. I was seriously trying to forget about your stupid antics (of) self preservation.

This isnt to debate the politics in play here. People are going to be for and against political figures like Prater and political issues so involved. Thats understandable.

This isnt to debate Hubbards right to come down on one side of this issue. Thats indisputable, provided we still live in a democracy that allows athletes to form real-world opinions same as electricians, physicians, plumbers or teachers.

This isnt to ignore the backing Hubbard did receive last week. There was a lot of We got your back from OSU fans who encouraged the young man to continue exercising his freedom of speech.

Nor is this to dismiss those who disagreed with Hubbard. Their rights to free speech are the same as his, provided all practice the First Amendment within respectable, decent bounds.

The issue here is indecency. The issue is those who responded to Hubbard hatefully.

And if you are thinking about the old bad apples in every bunch line, surely you see that those apples are rotting worse with every issue that arises anymore, with every attempt at civil disagreement, and that the stink is getting all over that democracy of ours.

Last week it got all over Hubbard and it drove him from social media at a time college athletes everywhere are, for the first time, truly discovering their voices.

Hubbard tweeted about the Black Lives Matter movement in the days leading up to his Twitter departure, and about a program dedicated to education opportunities for high school and college students of color.

On July 13, Hubbard tweeted about faith and hope for everyone that is going through a hard time.

You dont have to agree with someones political or social views to appreciate when that person gives a damn about the world, as Hubbard clearly does. It is inspiring to see that in anyone, let alone someone so young and so perceptive as to understand that his platform amplifies his voice.

It is nauseating to realize that voice has been silenced by those who either cant or wont bring themselves to tolerate it. Who are so consumed by their own political and social agendas that they smear vitriol over a representative of the other side, and then do it again when that representative simply tries to explain himself.

A month ago, I had a meaningful conversation with University of Tulsa offensive lineman Chris Paul. We chatted about his investment in world views he is the American Athletic Conferences representative on the NCAA Division I Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and about his hope that fans who supported college football players on fall Saturdays might take the time to support them away from games, as well.

That holistic view is very important, Paul said. It allows you to understand the individual youre cheering for.

Thats all were after here. Understanding. If you agree with the player on issues beyond the game, fine. Thats your choice. Just be understanding. Be humane.

Again, the majority of those who disagreed with Hubbards stance toward Prater, and might continue to disagree with Hubbards stance toward Gundys One America News Network fondness or any other topics related to what the country is going through currently, are being humane. They are being decent.

The indecency, however minor, is startling. Some of what Hubbard endured last week was shuddering.

And now as we wonder when Hubbard might reappear from under the garbage, Im thinking about something his head coach once famously asked.

Where are we at in society today?

Bixby 5-10175Sr.

In his first two years as a starter, has led the Spartans to a 25-1 record and two 6AII state titles. Last year, completed 75% of his passes as he threw for 3,491 yards and 47 touchdowns. Passed for 435 yards and eight TDs against Mansfield Timberview. Connected with Braylin Presley on the winning TD pass with 1:04 left against Stillwater in the state final. Career passing totals: 446-of-625, 6,716 yards, 83 TDs, 13 interceptions.

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Pawhuska 6-3220Sr.

In 2019, completed 198-of-309 passes for 3,426 yards and 36 TDs. Had 150 rushes for 870 yards and 25 touchdowns. Also caught eight passes and had a TD. Passed for 328 yards and five TDs against Barnsdall. Threw for 351 yards and accounted for four TDs as he rallied the Huskies from a 26-0 halftime deficit for a 34-26 playoff win at Stroud. Career passing totals: 334-of-537, 5,440 yards, 57 TDs, 23 interceptions.

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Jenks 5-10175Sr.

In his first season as a starter, completed 171-of-255 passes for 2,646 yards and 24 TDs to lead the Trojans to the 6AI state final. Passed for 271 yards and five TDs in a quarterfinal win at Mustang. Completed 18-of-20 passes for 259 yards and two TDs against Westmoore in a Week 10 victory that clinched a playoff berth.

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B.T. Washington 6-0170Jr.

Versatile athlete with 12 major offers. In 2019, injuries limited his time at QB as he completed 58-of-111 passes for 861 yards and nine TDs five against Shawnee and four against Bishop Kelley. Also rushed for 467 yards and three TDs. In 2018, passed for 784 yards and 10 TDs as he won his first six starts. Has two career catches of at least 55 yards. In the 2019 6A state track meet, won the 400 (47.70) and was runner-up in the 200.

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Union 5-11195Jr.

Showed star potential as he won his first five starts to rally Union from a 1-4 start to reach the 6AI playoffs. In his starting debut, he rushed for three TDs and passed for another in a 31-7 win at Putnam North. Produced 253 yards and two TDs in win over Norman North. In the quarterfinals, Banks accounted for 243 yards and two TDs in a 35-31 loss to Broken Arrow.

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Central 6-0175Sr.

Last season, led the Braves to their best record, 6-4, since 2011. Completed 116-of-170 passes for 2,016 yards and 29 TDs. Also had 30 rushes for 305 yards and seven TDs. As a safety, had 27 tackles. Passed for 389 yards and five TDs at Stilwell; 328 yards and five TDs against Hilldale, 301 and four TDs at OKC Grant.

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Coweta 6-3190Jr.

In 2019, completed 157-of-232 passes for 2,278 yards and 21 TDs to help the Tigers reach the 5A quarterfinals last year. Also rushed for 342 yards and six TDs and caught three touchdown passes. On defense, picked off two passes. Averaged 40 yards on four punts. Passed for 289 yards and four TDs in a playoff win over Tahlequah. Threw for 330 yards and two TDs against Edison.

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Holland Hall 6-2180Sr.

Oklahoma baseball commit passed for 2,070 yards and 23 TDs last season as he led the Dutch to a 9-3 record. Also rushed for 366 yards and four TDs. As a free safety, had 44 tackles and three takeaways. Started 11 games at QB as a freshman in 2017, filling in for injured Drake Roush. Clark completed 116-of-173 passes for 1,951 yards and 20 TDs to help the Dutch reach the 2A quarterfinals.

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Inola 5-10170Sr.

In 2019, completed 187-of-315 passes for 2,418 yards and 29 TDs. Also rushed for 307 yards and five touchdowns. Completed 30-of-41 passes as he accounted for 434 yards and six TDs against Locust Grove. Passed for 315 yards and six TDs against Wyandotte. Career passing totals: 325-of-545, 4,083 yards, 43 TDs, 23 interceptions.

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Broken Arrow 5-11170Sr.

In his debut as a starter, completed 79-of-126 passes for 1,540 yards and 19 TDs with only two interceptions last season. Connected on 7-of-10 passes for 217 yards and two TDs in a playoff win against Union. Passed for three TDs on eight passes in a 43-42 win over Yukon. Completed 9-of-10 passes for 162 yards and three TDs in a win over Mansfield.

Click here to vote for Jake

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Guerin Emig: Lord help us overcome the hate that overran Chuba Hubbard - Tulsa World