During the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, Utah coach Lynne Roberts revealed that her team had experienced a series of “racial hate crimes” after arriving at their first hotel, leading to concerns about safety. The incidents occurred last Thursday night, prompting the team to change hotels. Roberts did not provide specific details but said that the incidents were upsetting and disturbing for the team. The team was staying about 30 miles away in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho due to limited hotel space in the Spokane area, where the tournament was taking place.
Utah, along with South Dakota State and UC Irvine, were staying in Idaho despite Gonzaga being the host school because of the lack of available hotel rooms. This was due to multiple events taking place in the area, including the men’s NCAA Tournament and a regional youth volleyball tournament. The limited hotel space led to teams being housed in Coeur d’Alene, where the incidents took place. Roberts expressed disappointment that the team did not feel safe in what should have been a positive and joyous experience at the NCAA Tournament.
Roberts emphasized that racism is real and happens, and it was difficult for both the players and staff to deal with the incidents. She noted the diversity on college campuses and the shock of encountering such hate crimes in that environment. The NCAA and Gonzaga worked together to move the team to a different hotel after the first night in response to the incidents. Gonzaga issued a statement acknowledging the situation and expressing frustration and sadness that the situation had occurred, as it did not reflect the values of the university.
The presence of far-right extremists in the region, as reported by the Southern Poverty Law Center, raised concerns about the safety of the team. In 2018, multiple hate groups operated in the Spokane and northern Idaho area, including Identity Evropa, Proud Boys, ACT for America, and America’s Promise Ministries. The incidents experienced by the Utah team highlighted the reality of racism and hate crimes that continue to exist in society. The team’s experience during the NCAA Tournament served as a reminder of the importance of addressing and confronting these issues to create a safer and more inclusive environment for all individuals involved in sports and beyond.
The situation faced by the Utah women’s basketball team shed light on the need for continued efforts to combat racism and discrimination in all settings, including college campuses and athletic events. The incidents that occurred during the NCAA Tournament were disturbing and unacceptable, leading to concerns about the safety and well-being of the players and staff. While the team was ultimately relocated to a different hotel, the experience was a sobering reminder of the prevalence of hate crimes in society and the impact they can have on individuals and communities.
Moving forward, it is essential for institutions, organizations, and individuals to actively work towards creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, or background. Addressing and confronting issues of racism and discrimination requires a collective effort to promote understanding, empathy, and respect among individuals. The Utah women’s basketball team’s experience serves as a reminder of the work that remains to be done to ensure that everyone can participate in sports and other activities without fear of discrimination or harm.Ultimately, the incidents faced by the team during the NCAA Tournament underscore the importance of standing up against racism and hate crimes in all aspects of society.
