Since the introduction of Name, Image and Likeness to the college athletics landscape, student athletes have found a voice - for better or worse - that has fallen on silent ears for decades prior.
Over the last six years, multiple athletic programs at Brandeis University have been plagued with allegations of racism. Allegations were first made directed at the men's basketball program before similar accusations that included mistreatment faced the women's basketball program prior to this season.
At the center of the allegations was longtime women's basketball coach Carol Simon, who had spent the past 37 seasons leading the program. Simon, who took over in 1987, is a member of the New England Basketball Hall of Fame.
An investigation was launched, and in May of 2023 the university found that Simon did violate Brandeis standards with racist comments and actions directed at players, assistant coaches and colleagues over the years.
She was placed on administrative leave, where she missed the entire basketball season as assistant coach Jill Latanowich stepped in as acting head coach for the year to lead the team during a tumultuous time.
In March, despite the damming allegations, Simon was reinstated to her role leading the women's basketball program in a decision that has angered many. It's worth noting here that two of Simon's direct superiors are former players of hers.
Her suspension and reinstatement are not where this story ends.
The Justice, which is the independent student newspaper of the university, shared recently that "the majority of the team" will quit if Simon doesn't submit her resignation.
The Boston Globe followed that up with a report saying that all 11 remaining players sent a letter to Simon sharing they will quit if she does not resign.
That radical stance by the student athletes puts the administration - one that includes two former Brandeis ladies basketball players under Simon in Lynn Dempsey (associate director of athletics) and Jessica Chapin (newly appointed AD) - in an interesting position.
Do they start a complete rebuild of the team and allow Simon to coach for a 38th season with the program while fielding concerns from incoming players about the fresh year-long suspension and investigation? Or do they allow the players to dictate the terms by making a head coaching change and start the search for a new leader?
Over the past several years there have been boycotts in varying capacities from football players at Kansas State, Florida State, and Florida A&M among others, but there has not been a story where players band together to demand a coach's resignation like the Brandeis women are doing.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.