NSU speaks out regarding racial slurs used by Illinois State fans toward player in basketball game
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Posted By: S. Moore on December 11, 2023 The university released a statement Sunday night expressing its disappointment after opposing fans at Illinois State used racial slurs towards one of NSU's athletes. NORFOLK, Va. — The Norfolk State men's basketball team traveled to play Illinois State on Saturday evening but despite notching their third consecutive win over a non-conference opponent, the win was far over-shadowed by an appalling interaction between two of the opposing teams' fans and NSU guard Jamarii Thomas. Thomas was called for a foul with just over 8 minutes remaining in the game and after the referees blew the whistle, Thomas could be seen on ESPN+'s broadcast exchanging words with Illinois State fans sitting courtside. It quickly resulted in a screaming match between head coach Robert Jones and Illinois State head coach Ryan Pedon and even some players got involved. According to the Virginia Pilot, Thomas had informed his coach of the racial slurs he heard, to which Jones walked onto the court to defend his player to the officials and fans. Pedon then demanded the officials give Jones a technical foul which is when the situation escalated briefly before the refs settled things down. The officials ejected both fans who allegedly directed the racial slur toward Thomas, and both Jones and Pedon were handed technicals before the game resumed. Norfolk State went on to win the game 64-58. Thomas had a career-high 31 points. Jones broke to social media after the game expressing his frustration and disappointment with the situation.
— Illinois State Men's Basketball (@Redbird_MBB) December 11, 2023 The following statement is from Norfolk State University President Javaune Adams-Gaston, Ph.D., and NSU Director of Athletics Melody Webb per Norfolk State Athletics: "We are profoundly disappointed at the events that transpired during the men's basketball game yesterday at Illinois State University where racial epithets were shouted at our student-athletes. We are at a critical time in this nation and world as it relates to race relations, and any type of hate speech or language is unacceptable. This type of behavior and language has no place in society or in athletic competition. College athletics is rooted in sportsmanship, camaraderie and exhibiting school pride. We appreciate Coach Jones for standing up for our student-athletes, and we commend our student-athletes for exhibiting restraint during a stressful ordeal. Our student-athletes followed in the footsteps of the late Bill Russell and basketball great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar during their collegiate careers, and successfully played through racial slurs meant to traumatize and disrupt the team. Our students remained Spartan Strong, but that is not something they should have to overcome during an athletic event in 2023. We are so proud of our team for maintaining a competitive game and spectacular performance for a win against Illinois State University. We have heard from the president and athletic director of Illinois State University. They have stated the behavior shown to our student-athletes at the Horton Field House is not representative of their institution and they will fully investigate this incident. We acknowledge their apology and look forward to hearing the results of their investigation." SOURCE 13 News Now If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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