WVU Athletes Make Statements in Support of Kerry Martin

After sophomore safety Kerry Martin tweeted accusations of mistreatment and racism at defensive coordinator Vic Koenning on Tuesday morning, with Koenning eventually being placed on administrative leave, multiple West Virginia student-athletes have tweeted in supports of Martin.

Among those showing support are fellow WVU football players Nicktroy Fortune, Bryce Wheaton, Sam James and Tony Mathis. Fortune and Mathis tweeted that they have Martin’s back, but Wheaton, a wide receiver, commented that the behaviors Martin is accusing Koenning of are not a secret to the rest of the team.

Standing with my BROTHER.. like it or not . ✊🏾 https://t.co/fk8ky8W1Zr

— Nicktroy Fortune 🙏🏾 (@nicktroyfort11) June 23, 2020

This is NOT a secret in our program. https://t.co/DA1mxvSqfi

— Bryce Wheaton (@Brycewheat3) June 23, 2020

“I won’t take the stand but ill take a stand for what I believe” https://t.co/Jk8kSobDZm

— Sam James (@Samjames_13) June 23, 2020

✊🏿 Behind you with whatever and for what’s right. https://t.co/Md0ig59xVz

— TonyBernardMathis.jr🦍 (@_Tmathiss4) June 23, 2020

Incoming cornerback recruit David Vincent-Okoli also commented on Martin’s post.

Smh…..😴 https://t.co/VmW8PMz3ww

— 🎱 (@dattboidavid) June 23, 2020

Former WVU men’s soccer coach Marlon LeBlanc commented that he is proud of Martin for standing up for himself and “someone has to go first to creat needed change”. LeBlanc is the only black head coach in WVU athletics history.

Proud of you for standing up for yourself and your teammates. It takes character and strength. Someone has to go first to create needed change. 👏🏾💪🏾

— Marlon LeBlanc (@MarlonLeBlanc4) June 23, 2020

Former WVU running back Martell Pettaway tweeted that he is also standing with Martin. Pettaway transferred to Middle Tennessee State earlier this offseason.

✊🏾 I’m with you bro https://t.co/INIoxdhkrT

— Martell Pettaway (@YeeaahhP) June 23, 2020

Finally, three members of the WVU men’s basketball team, Emmitt Matthews, Gabe Osabouhien and Taz Sherman, also tweeted in support of Martin.

Get him outta here 🙌🏽✌🏽🙌🏽✌🏽🙌🏽✌🏽 https://t.co/YizVRG6TWd pic.twitter.com/WV8xXavA6o

— emmitt “doo” matthews jr. (@THEDOOSKIE) June 23, 2020

✊🏽respect💙 https://t.co/OwGWld2XkV

— TAZ1️⃣2️⃣ (@Okaytazoo) June 23, 2020

AND IM WITH YOU Brother 🖤🖤‼️ #WeAreOne https://t.co/HDMAxHm3Cr

— Gabe (@Go22_Lt) June 23, 2020