Racism doesn’t care what level of sports are being played or where games are being played. When it’s time to rear its ugly head, it’s time.
That happened on Friday night in Utah at a volleyball game between the BYU Cougars and the visiting Duke Blue Devils.
According to Judge Lesa Pamplin, her Goddaughter was targeted by racist taunts from BYU fans.
“My Goddaughter is the only black starter for Dukes volleyball team'” tweeted Pamplin. “While playing yesterday, she was called a nigger every time she served. She was threatened by a white male that told her to watch her back going to the team bus. A police officer had to be put by their bench.”
BYU Athletics issued a statement regarding the incident on Saturday.
“All of God’s children deserve love and respect, and BYU Athletics is completely committed to leading out in abandoning attitudes and actions of prejudice of any kind and rooting out racism,” tweeted BYU.
“When a student-athlete or a fan comes to a BYU sporting event, we expect that they will be treated with love and respect and feel safe on our campus. It is for this reason BYU has banned a fan who was identified by Duke during last night’s volleyball match from all BYU athletic venues,” continued BYU.
BYU also noted that the fan was not a student at the university.
Pamplin was justifiably upset at the incident and enraged that her goddaughter was called the N-word without immediate action being taken.
“You allowed this racist behavior to continue without intervening,” said Pamplin. “Apologizing to her parents after the fact is not enough. She will soon be sharing her story.”
BYU, a Mormon school in Provo, Utah, stated that they don’t tolerate racism of any kind.
“To say we are extremely disheartened in the actions of a small number of fans in last night’s volleyball match…is not strong enough language. We will not tolerate behavior of this kind. Specifically, the use of a racial slur at any of our athletic events is absolutely unacceptable. We wholeheartedly apologize to Duke University and especially its student athletes,” tweeted BYU.
But for the target of the racist venom, identified as sophomore Rachel Richardson, the only Black player on Duke’s team, it was too late.
The taunting had occurred and play had not been stopped to immediately address the situation and remove the fan in question.
According to KSL.com, it wasn’t until the middle of the second set that a police officer could be seen by the Duke bench.
But again, play had not been stopped to remove the racist fan.
And that should definitely have happened if a player is threatened.
Duke’s athletic director, Nina King, issued a statement as well.
“First and foremost, our priority is the well-being of Duke student-athletes,” said King in a statement from the school. “They should always have the opportunity to compete in an inclusive, anti-racist environment which promotes equality and fair play. Following extremely unfortunate circumstances at Friday night’s match at BYU, we are compelled to shift today’s match against Rider to a different location to afford both teams the safest atmosphere for competition.
“We are appreciative of the support from BYU’s athletic administration as we navigate this troubling situation. I have been in touch with the student-athletes who have been deeply impacted, will continue to support them in every way possible and look forward to connecting further upon their return from Provo.”
We will keep you updated on the situation.
