South Carolina athletes and coaches were among several programs who participated in marches or other public conversations about social unrest and injustice this week.

By all indications, the leadership on campus is supportive of that participation. Athletics director Ray Tanner was asked on 107.5 The Game about the social demonstrations by South Carolina athletes. He said he’s “extremely supportive” of student athletes speaking out and “we need to be in a better place in this country than we are today.”

Tanner said he sees this time in the athletes’ lives as one for growth and learning.

“I think it’s a time to grow, it’s a time to get better, it’s a time we are together more so than ever before,” Tanner said. “We understand different perspectives and feelings.”

As coaches around the country marched and spoke with their players about what they’re going through following events around the country, Tanner offered a comment that could double as advice.

“It’s our job to be with them and explain to them things they might not know,” he said. “And they have an opportunity to explain things we might not know.”