Democracy Dies in Darkness

Diversity at a football game is not a “problem.”

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian celebrates with his team on Saturday in Austin. (Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

On September 14, 2026, the fourth-ranked Texas Longhorns triumphed over the top-ranked Ohio State team in a highly anticipated matchup. As fans of the University of Texas rejoiced in the stands, videos of the celebration quickly spread on social media.

However, instead of focusing on the team’s accomplishment, Bo French, the GOP nominee for the influential Texas Railroad Commission, appeared more concerned with the diversity visible in the audience. His comments drew attention for the emphasis on the racial diversity among the celebrating students.

This incident highlights a tendency among some public figures to focus on irrelevant aspects during significant events. By concentrating on the skin color of the students, French diverted attention from the remarkable achievement of the team. This diversion distracts from the spirit of unity and celebration that sports events often foster.

Diversity in sports audiences reflects the broader community spectrum and should be seen as an asset rather than a flaw. During events like these, the focus should remain on the collective joy and the accomplishments on the field, not on divisive observations.