Nike-sponsored runner Will Leer has always been compared to legendary runner Steve Prefontaine for his facial hair and flowing locks. On Sunday afternoon, Leer channeled the more outspoken side of Prefontaine at the U.S. Indoor Track and Field Championship in Albuquerque. 

After his second place finish in the men's 1,500-meter final and securing his spot on the United States national team headed to Poland for the IAAF World Championships, Will Leer took a moment in his post-race interview with NBC Sports to voice his opinion on the disqualification of Gabriele Grunewald in the 3,000-meter run. 

"I would be remiss if I didn’t take this moment to say how badly I feel for Gabriele Anderson (Grunewald) and how much I think it (the DQ) is a disgrace," Leer said. "USA Track and Field needs to get their act together with that one."

Leer said the quote live on television and is currently featured on LetsRun.com.

In a more silent protest of USATF’s ruling, the non-Nike affiliated finalists in the women’s 1,500-meter run walked off the track holding hands in solidarity for Grunewald.