December 12, 2023
“Illinois State has moved swiftly to investigate the report and will respond appropriately”
On Dec. 9, after a basketball game against Illinois State University, Norfolk State University basketball coach Robert Jones stated that one of his players was called a n**ger while he was playing on the basketball court during the game. That comment came from a fan sitting in the stands at Illinois State.
According to the university’s website, the school acknowledged that it took place, apologized to Norfolk State, and claimed it had started an investigation.
“The men’s basketball game on Saturday, December 9, 2023, 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.
“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.”
According to ESPN, during the televised game, Norfolk State’s Jamarii Thomas was verbally assaulted with a racial epithet based on what the broadcast crew reported. As Jones walked toward the middle of the court, he had to be stopped by his players and a referee from approaching the fan. When that happened, Illinois State coach Ryan Pedon walked toward Jones and started yelling at the Norfolk State coach. The two coaches had to be separated, and the referees issued a technical on both men.
I’m not letting anybody call my players a racial slur. Those are my kids and I will fight for them. We have come too far in society to be called the N word at college basketball game. https://t.co/hoyJ9VfSAx
— Robert Jones (@NSUCoachJones) December 10, 2023
It was questioned why Pedon went to yell at Jones, and after the game, he said: “I was upset [Jones] was on the floor and I was raising hell with the referees. It was never personal towards him. I’ll take the high road on that. I’ll take the high road. But I’m a competitor, man. I’m Italian, so sometimes my emotions can get the best of me at times. Yeah, I don’t apologize for my competitive edge. That’s how I want our teams to play.”
The fans who caused the fracas were ejected.
Source link : www.blackenterprise.com
