Illinois State University has apologized after at least one of its fans was accused of hurling racial slurs at a Black player for Norfolk State University during a basketball game Saturday, leading to a confrontation between the teams’ coaches.
The Norfolk State Spartans were ahead of the Illinois State Redbirds in the second half when the broadcast crew pointed out that one or two fans had made “idiotic comments” that were “of a racial nature.” The broadcasters added that Jamarii Thomas of Norfolk State, a historically Black university, was seen exchanging words with at least one fan before being reprimanded by an official.
“The men’s basketball game on Saturday between Illinois State and Norfolk State was regrettably marred by the report of a racial slur directed at a Norfolk State player by an Illinois State fan,” Bill Salyer, ISU’s director of athletic communications, told NBC News in a statement. “The use of racial slurs and other offensive language targeting people for their identity is abhorrent and is not tolerated by Illinois State University. Among Illinois State’s core values are respect for others, diversity, and inclusion.”
“Illinois State has moved swiftly to investigate the report and will respond appropriately. Illinois State University and Redbird Athletics extend sincere apologies to Norfolk State University, its student-athletes, and its athletics staff for the deep upset caused and university leaders have personally reached out to colleagues at Norfolk State.”
Norfolk State coach Robert Jones later wrote in a post on the X platform, “I’m not letting anybody call my players a racial slur.”
“Those are my kids and I will fight for them,” Jones wrote. “We have come too far in society to be called the N word at college basketball game.”
Footage of the incident uploaded to social media showed Jones visibly upset, with players working to keep him from walking onto the court. Illinois State coach Ryan Pedon is…
Read the full article here
