Video and audio evidence gathered by investigators confirms the reports that members of the Utah women’s basketball team experienced harassment and racial slurs during an incident on March 21, as confirmed by the police in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho on Wednesday.
The police released a statement on Wednesday night, stating that they have identified an audio recording where a racial slur was clearly heard. They are currently investigating the context and conduct surrounding the use of the slur to determine if it constitutes a violation of the law. Although the evidence is still being reviewed, it seems that the racial slur was used multiple times.
The Coeur d’Alene Police Department has released a photo of a silver car that was present in the area during the incident. They are urging anyone who may have information about the vehicle to contact their detectives at 208-769-2320 or submit a tip online.
According to the police, interviews have been conducted with the parties involved in the incident. In addition, approximately 35 hours of surveillance video from businesses in the area have been collected as part of the ongoing investigation.
According to a spokesperson from the Coeur d’Alene Police Department, local detectives and the FBI, who are both involved in the case, are scheduled to travel to Utah to conduct interviews with the players.
According to ABC News, the FBI acknowledged being informed about the incident on March 27. They stated that although they have not initiated an investigation yet, they are ready to look into any potential federal violation if new information emerges.
The Utah women’s basketball team spokesperson informed ABC News on Monday that the team is actively collaborating with the authorities leading the investigation and providing ongoing support to our student athletes.
According to a police report filed on March 21 by Robert Moyer, a witness who identified himself as a team donor and was traveling with the Utah women’s basketball team, the players were targeted twice while arriving at and leaving the Crafted Tap House, where they had dinner.
ABC News has acquired exclusive police body camera footage that features audio of Moyer’s call to 911, in which he requested to meet with the police to report the incident. The video also includes his subsequent conversation with a police officer who arrived at the scene.
The Utah women’s basketball team stayed in Coeur d’Alene for multiple days, participating in the NCAA Tournament. Moyer expressed concern for their safety, especially after the incident occurred in the city.
Moyer stated that the initial incident occurred at approximately “6-ish,” followed by a second incident at around 8:30 p.m. He recounted how the same trucks harassed the players before they entered the restaurant, and then waited for them to exit, repeating the harassment once more.
Moyer expressed that the incident had a significant impact on the players, causing them to feel a strong sense of fear. In fact, one of the players was so affected by the incident that they were brought to tears.
The police officer assured Moyer that he had filed a report and documented the incident, emphasizing the importance of contacting the police if any further incidents occurred during their stay in Coeur D’Alene.
The officer emphasized that if they hear such statements in their presence, they will not hesitate to take the individuals responsible to jail.
During a post-game press conference on March 25, Utah’s women’s basketball head coach Lynne Roberts addressed the incident, although the players themselves have not spoken out publicly about it.
“We experienced multiple incidents of racial hate crimes directed towards our program, which deeply disturbed us,” Roberts expressed. “Racism is a harsh reality that exists, and it is truly appalling.”
In a statement to ABC News on March 27, the NCAA expressed its devastation over the incident.
In its statement, the NCAA expresses its strong opposition to racism and hatred in any manifestation. The organization is dedicated to offering student-athletes an exceptional athletic and academic experience that promotes their overall well-being. The NCAA championship events hold immense significance as they symbolize the culmination of a student-athlete’s collegiate journey.
Read More: Understanding Your Knife Rights in Kansas