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ESPN - Illinois State investigating claim fan used racial slur against Norfolk State player
Illinois State is investigating claims that one or more of its fans used a racial slur against a Norfolk State player in the latter's 64-58 win over the Redbirds on Saturday, per a statement released Sunday.
"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," ISU's statement read. "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."
After Saturday's game, Norfolk State coach Robert Jones tweeted that one of his players had been called a slur by Illinois State fans during the game, which was the Spartans' third consecutive victory after previous wins over William & Mary and VCU.
"I'm not letting anybody call my players a racial slur," Jones said in his tweet. "Those are my kids and I will fight for them. We have come too far in society to be called the N word at [a] college basketball game."
Per a video of the aftermath of the alleged verbal attack, Jones walked onto the court before he was stopped by his players with his team ahead 46-40 in the second half. The broadcast crew said Norfolk State's Jamarii Thomas had an interaction with fans during a dead ball situation.
"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," ISU's statement read. "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."
After Saturday's game, Norfolk State coach Robert Jones tweeted that one of his players had been called a slur by Illinois State fans during the game, which was the Spartans' third consecutive victory after previous wins over William & Mary and VCU.
"I'm not letting anybody call my players a racial slur," Jones said in his tweet. "Those are my kids and I will fight for them. We have come too far in society to be called the N word at [a] college basketball game."
Per a video of the aftermath of the alleged verbal attack, Jones walked onto the court before he was stopped by his players with his team ahead 46-40 in the second half. The broadcast crew said Norfolk State's Jamarii Thomas had an interaction with fans during a dead ball situation.
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