Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, city leaders are currently conducting an investigation following allegations made by members of the Utah women’s basketball team. According to the players, they were targeted with racial slurs by two men who also used their trucks to taunt them while the team was heading out for a meal.
According to a police report obtained by ABC News, the team members were on their way to dinner when they encountered a disturbing incident. As they walked down the street, two pickup trucks approached them, revving their engines and speeding by. Shockingly, the trucks turned around and came back towards the team, with the individuals inside yelling racial slurs, particularly the N-word. This incident deeply affected the players, as many of them are African American. The police report provides a distressing account of the events that unfolded on Thursday, March 21.
According to the report, the players were genuinely afraid as a result of the incident.
During a post-game press conference on Monday night, Lynne Roberts, the head coach of Utah’s women’s basketball team, expressed her concern and disappointment regarding the incident involving her players. She described the situation as “upsetting” for the entire team.
“We experienced numerous incidents of racially motivated hate crimes directed towards our program, which deeply disturbed all of us,” stated Coach Roberts. “Racism is an unfortunate reality that exists, and it is utterly abhorrent.”
“It’s messed up that our players and staff don’t feel safe in an NCAA tournament,” she emphasized.
The Coeur d’Alene Resort was not directly involved in the incident. However, the resort’s manager, Bill Reagan, expressed his apologies and emphasized that the men in the trucks did not reflect the values and attitudes of the town.
Reagan expressed his sincere apologies for the unfortunate incident that occurred on behalf of the downtown business community. During a press conference on Tuesday, he extended his apology to the student athletes, their staff, and Gonzaga, the host university. Reagan emphasized that these students deserved to walk downtown without facing any form of harassment. He further stated that the actions of a few individuals should not be used to judge the entirety of Coeur d’Alene. As a community, they stand united in their firm stance against tolerating such behavior.
Mayor Jim Hammond of Coeur d’Alene also offered his apologies to the team, condemning the incident.
During the Tuesday afternoon press conference addressing the incident, he expressed his sincerest apologies to the young women who were subjected to racial slurs while visiting. He assured them that they are supported and embraced by all of us, and their achievements are celebrated. He also strongly condemned any form of malicious treatment towards them.
During Tuesday’s press conference, a spokesperson from the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations shared that the Utah team had relocated to a hotel in Spokane, Washington, over the weekend. This move was necessitated by the availability of rooms in the new location.
Coeur d’Alene Police Chief Lee White has revealed that the department is currently investigating several possible crimes related to the incident. These include malicious harassment and violations of the disorderly conduct statute. Chief White emphasized that the police department is actively collaborating with the FBI on this open and ongoing case.
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, lies a short 35-mile distance from Spokane, Washington, the hosting city of the NCAA tournament for both Gonzaga’s men’s and women’s basketball teams last weekend.
Gonzaga responded to the incident on X early Tuesday morning by issuing a statement, emphasizing that the school’s values were not reflected in the incident.
“We are extremely disappointed and saddened to learn that this situation may have tarnished what should have been a truly exceptional visitor and championship experience. It is disheartening because it goes against the very values, principles, and ideals that we, at Gonzaga University, uphold and strive to maintain,” the statement expressed.
The NCAA has also expressed its condemnation of the incident in Coeur d’Alene in a statement to ABC News.
The NCAA championship events hold immense significance in a student-athlete’s journey through college. The news of the Utah team’s unfortunate experience while traveling to participate in this highly anticipated weekend is truly disheartening. This was supposed to be a time when they showcased their skills on the grandest stage and forged unforgettable memories. We express our gratitude to Gonzaga, Utah, and all those involved for promptly addressing the situation. Additionally, we appreciate the swift response and dedicated efforts of the local law enforcement in ensuring the safety of these student-athletes.
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