The University of Central Florida made headlines following the team’s victory against Kent State 56-6 Thursday – but it was not because of the team’s victory.

In a since-deleted social media post from the athletics team, UCF quarterback John Rhys Plumlee was pictured looking at his phone on the sidelines during the game, with the caption reading, “SOMEONE CALL THE NATIONAL GUARD.”

A UCF statement indicated the post was intended to be in reference to a 1996 NFL game when Denver Broncos tight end Shannon Sharpe pretended to call the president to send the National Guard to help the New England Patriots.

With Kent State’s history, there was a different interpretation of the message, however.

On May 4, 1970, there were protests at the Kent State campus about the Vietnam War. Four students were shot and killed, and nine were wounded by the Ohio National Guard, who monitored the protests on the campus. 

UCF Vice President and Director of Athletics Terry Mohajir made the following statement via USA TODAY:

“As soon as our staff was made aware of the unintended reference to the unfortunate event that took place at Kent State in 1970, the post was removed. It was addressed with our staff immediately, and updated protocols have been put in place to avoid a situation like this in the future.”

Eric Mansfield, KSU’s university communications and marketing assistant vice president, said leadership at the UCF Athletic Department extended a sincere apology Friday for the social media post shared and taken down during Thursday night’s game. 

“We immediately accepted this apology as genuine and thoughtful,” he said. “This unfortunate moment does not take away from what was a spirited contest on the field with UCF, which served as an outstanding partner and host in assisting our team, staff and fans with navigating the severe weather in Florida in order to play the game and return safely to Ohio.”

Mansfield extended the comment with a call to action.

“We continue to invite those who are unfamiliar with the events of May 4, 1970, to tour the May 4 Visitors Center to gain a deeper perspective and to apply the lessons of that day to a future filled with kindness and peaceful, civil discourse.”

John Hilber is a reporter. Contact him at [email protected]