A week ago, the University of Florida announced that it would disassociate itself from the “Gator Bait” cheer.

School president Kent Fuchs announced the news in a lengthy statement after some students shared their concerns with him.

“While I know of no evidence of racism associated with our “Gator Bait” cheer at UF sporting events, there is horrific historic racist imagery associated with the phrase. Accordingly University Athletics and the Gator Band will discontinue the use of the cheer,” Fuchs wrote.

Lawrence Wright played safety for the Gators from 1993-96, and he’s largely credited with creating the “Gator Bait” chant. Below is a video of Wright leading the chant in the 90s.

Wright spoke with TMZ on Monday, and he asked the university not to cancel the chant.

“Let’s have a conversation,” Wright told TMZ, about Dr. Fuchs. “Let’s talk. Lets see if, as family, we can get on the same page and unite.”

Below is the full conversation with Wright.

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