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Wheeler: Don't expect the athletes you cheer for to be silent on social justice issues any longer

One of the best parts of being a sports reporter is being able to get to know the athletes behind the scenes and learn about and share their stories with an audience.

They're humans who have worked hard at their craft to earn the recognition. They come from different backgrounds and have things they have to overcome in their everyday lives.

The athletes also have thoughts and opinions on problems in society that shouldn't be kept quiet any longer. After all, they're young and they're the next group of leaders in our country.

That's why I was excited to see the NCAA announce on Thursday that it will allow student-athletes to wear a patch on their uniforms for commemorative or memorial purposes, as well as to support social justice issues.