The Utah women’s basketball team has been deeply disturbed and unsettled by what team officials described as distressing racial abuse prior to their NCAA tournament opening game. Taking significant action, the team has filed a police report and is now unveiling further details about the incident that took place in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, on Thursday before their game against South Dakota State in Spokane, Washington. According to a statement from Utah Athletics Director Mark Harlan, deputy AD Charmelle Green, and women’s basketball coach Lynne Roberts, the team was en route to dinner when a passing vehicle directed “shouted racial epithets at the group,” leaving the team profoundly troubled and shaken.
Subsequently, as the team headed back from dinner, a vehicle deliberately passed by them, aggressively “revving its engine” while its occupants once again hurled racial slurs and threats, as stated in the report.
This distressing behavior left many students, staff, and members of the travel group deeply unsettled and anxious, turning what should have been a safe and pleasant experience into a frightening ordeal.
In an interview with CNN affiliate KSL, Green disclosed that the team was subjected to the use of the N-word during both incidents.
The authorities have initiated an investigation into the matter.
“At the time of the initial report, we were unable to engage with any of the potential victims involved in the incident, nor did we succeed in locating the individuals responsible for the racial slurs,” stated Coeur d’Alene Police Chief Lee White during a press conference on Tuesday.
“The Coeur d’Alene Police Department has an ongoing investigation into this matter, and our detectives are making every effort to reach out to any victims of this disturbing incident. Presently, the identities of the victims remain unknown. It was initially estimated that around 100 people were in the vicinity when the incident occurred.
“We are collaborating closely with our partners at the FBI to explore possible federal charges in accordance with the events that transpired.”
A police representative informed CNN on Wednesday that they are in coordination with the University of Utah to conduct interviews in relation to the case.
Deputy AD Green expressed her struggle to come to terms with the abuse endured by the team. In an emotional statement to KSL, she recalled, “I will never forget the sound that I heard, the intimidation of the noise that came from that engine, and the (N-)word. I go to bed and I hear it every night since I’ve been here … I couldn’t imagine us having to stay there and relive those moments.”
Following the distressing incident, the team was relocated to a hotel in Spokane, where the first and second round games of the NCAA men’s and women’s tournaments were hosted. Due to limited hotel availability in Spokane, Utah had initially stayed in Coeur d’Alene. To ensure the safety of the team, a police escort was provided for their journey to the McCarthey Athletic Center, with the stipulation that the travel time not exceed 30 minutes.
The Utes secured a victory against South Dakota State on Saturday, only to face a 77-66 defeat against host Gonzaga in the tournament’s second round on Monday.
The Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations revealed on Tuesday that a Confederate flag was prominently displayed in the vehicle that had initially passed the team.
Tony Stewart, the director of the task force, emphasized the absolute condemnation of these appalling acts of hatred and called for the prosecution of the perpetrators, if identified. In a resolute tone at a press conference, he declared, “There is no place in our communities or in the United States of America for such horrific acts.”
Stewart also noted that one individual was reportedly involved in both instances of the alleged abuse, and further highlighted that the behavior was “reinforced by others” on the second occasion.
The NCAA released a statement on Tuesday acknowledging the incidents of racial abuse and indicated that it promptly collaborated with Gonzaga and Utah to enhance security for the team before securing new accommodations. The statement affirmed the NCAA’s stance against racism and hatred in any manifestation, underlining its commitment to delivering a top-tier athletic and academic experience that nurtures the well-being of student-athletes for life.
However, in a separate statement, Harlan, Green, and Roberts expressed their disappointment at being accommodated far from the venue. Gonzaga responded by acknowledging the occurrence of racially disparaging comments towards visiting players, vehemently denouncing hate speech in all its forms and emphasizing the paramount importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals involved in the tournament.
UC Irvine’s women’s basketball team, also lodging in Coeur d’Alene, reported no racist incidents during their stay. After the incident involving Utah’s team, the NCAA intervened, facilitating the relocation of UCI to a hotel in Spokane to safeguard the well-being and safety of their group.
