In 1969, 14 African-American players refused to play for Wyoming in a game against BYU, protesting LDS Church policies. Wyoming coach Lloyd Eaton dismissed the players from the team and the program took a long-term hit, because the coach failed to support his athletes.
In that context, it is clear that Pinkel was right to back his players, declaring the team "united" in the cause. That's an enlightened viewpoint in this century, and the reality is the Tigers' season otherwise would crumble and the fallout would devastate his recruiting efforts.
Missouri's players deserve credit for exercising a social conscience, in this era of self-absorbed, entitled athletes.