Mississippi State RB Kylin Hill Threatens to Not Play if State Flag Doesn't Change

Last week, the SEC released a statement in which it threatened not to host championship events in Mississippi any longer if the state doesn't remove the incredibly polarizing Confederate emblem from its official flag.

Fast-forwarding a few days later, Mississippi governor Tate Reeves noted on Twitter that there's been a proposal to create a second flag that he dismissed as "Separate but Equal." This prompted Mississippi State Bulldogs running back Kylin Hill to respond by asserting that he would no longer be "representing this state anymore" if the flag doesn't change.

Hill was MSU's most productive player in 2019 as he led the SEC in rushing yards during the regular season. In total, the junior running back registered 1,350 yards on 5.6 yards per carry. The fact that he's willing to go this far after a breakout year speaks volumes to his disgust with Mississippi's lack of action thus far.

Losing Hill for even a game would be greatly harmful to a Bulldogs team that finished fifth in the ruthless SEC West with a 6-7 overall record last season.

Less than two weeks ago, assertive complaints from DeAndre Hopkins and Deshaun Watson led to Clemson removing all dedications to pro-slavery South Carolina politician John C. Calhoun on campus. Hill speaking out will hopefully allow the state of Mississippi and it's enduring institutions to take an important opportunity to have a much-needed conversation.

It shouldn't have come to this, but Hill deserves tremendous credit for taking this significant of a stand before his senior season with the Bulldogs.