Photo: Getty Images
Illinois State University has issued an apology after its fans were accused of hurling racial slurs at a Norfolk State University player during a basketball game, per NBC News.
During the second half of the game on Saturday (December 9), broadcasters pointed out that one or two fans made "idiotic comments" that were "of a racial nature." The broadcast crew for the game said NSU player Jamarii Thomas exchanged words with at least one fan before an official reprimanded him.
NSU coach Robert Jones wrote on X: “I’m not letting anybody call my players a racial slur.”
“Those are my kids and I will fight for them,” he added wrote. “We have come too far in society to be called the N word at college basketball game.”
Bill Salyer, ISU’s director of athletic communications, apologized to NSU and its players following the incident.
“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,” Salyer said 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.”
Video of the incident shows Jones upset as players attempted to stop him from walking onto the court. ISU coach Ryan Pedon appeared to aggressively confront Jones, and players from both teams intervened.
Jones and Pedon were both issued technical fouls.
In a statement, Pedon said he reached out to Jones to apologize over the incident, adding that he takes "full responsibility" for his behavior and "was wrong for allowing the situation to escalate."
“This was a misunderstanding in which I reacted to him without understanding the situation, and I own that mistake 100%. I would also like to apologize for any negative reflection my response may have brought to either institution, its student-athletes, or basketball programs,” Pedon said.
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