Public university asked to remove religious stickers
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JACKSON, Tenn. — Arkansas State University football team put stickers on their helmets this season to honor two of their players who died this year. One of those players was Markel Owens, who was fatally shot during a home invastion in January. His stepfather, Johnny Shivers, also died in the home invasion and robbery. Owens’ mom, Chermaine Owens-Shivers, was struck in the leg by a bullet. Owens was a standout lineman at ASU. This season, the Red Wolves are honoring Owens, and equipment manager Barry Weyer, who died in a car wreck in June. The sticker is a cross with both of their initials. “Unfortunately, the way he was being honored is not pleasing to everyone, but it’s pleasing to us and his family and friends. We greatly appreciate what they did for him,” said Owens-Shivers. According to ASU, an attorney contacted the school questioning the use of the religious symbol. ASU has since modified the cross to just a straight line with the players’ initials. “Even though they modified the decals, it still does not change their intent, and we know that he and his family will always be in their thoughts and their prayers,” Owens-Shivers explained. Owens-Shivers said the important thing is that her son is remembered, and she knows his legacy will continue. “Everybody knows that if you knew him, he would want you to grind hard, and whatever it is that you choose to do in life, be positive and stay humble,” Owens-Shivers said of her son. Three men have now been charged in the January crime that killed Owens and his stepfather.
