Utah coach Lynne Roberts revealed that her team experienced “racial hate crimes” after arriving at their first NCAA Tournament hotel and were forced to change hotels for safety concerns. The incidents occurred last Thursday night after the team arrived in the area for the tournament, causing distress to the team members. The team was staying 30 miles away in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and were relocated to a different hotel the following day. Roberts expressed shock at the incidents, stating that there is typically a high level of diversity in university settings and that exposure to racism is rare in such environments.
Utah, South Dakota State, and UC Irvine were all staying in hotels in Idaho due to a lack of available hotel space in the Spokane area, even though Gonzaga was the host school. Limited hotel space was caused by various events taking place in the region, including a regional youth volleyball tournament and the first and second rounds of the men’s NCAA Tournament. Gonzaga received a waiver from the NCAA to house teams in Coeur d’Alene due to the lack of accommodations in Spokane. Roberts emphasized that racism is real and unacceptable, and expressed disappointment that her players and staff did not feel safe during what should have been a positive NCAA Tournament experience.
Roberts mentioned that the NCAA and Gonzaga worked to move the team after the first night of incidents to ensure their safety and well-being. She described the situation as a distraction and upsetting, tainting what should have been a joyous time for the program. Gonzaga issued a statement expressing their frustration and sadness over the situation, emphasizing that the safety and welfare of all participants in the event is their top priority. The university stated that the incident did not align with their values and that they hold themselves accountable to higher standards.
The region of Spokane and northern Idaho has a presence of far-right extremists, with at least nine hate groups operating in the area in 2018. Some of the groups identified by the Southern Poverty Law Center include Identity Evropa, Proud Boys, ACT for America, and America’s Promise Ministries. The presence of these groups may have contributed to the incidents experienced by the Utah women’s basketball team during the NCAA Tournament. The incidents serve as a reminder of the existence of racism and hate crimes in society, highlighting the importance of addressing and combating such behavior to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals.
Roberts’ revelation sheds light on the challenges and injustices that some teams may face while participating in high-profile sporting events, even in a collegiate setting. The incidents experienced by Utah during the NCAA Tournament, while unsettling and distressing, serve as a reminder of the need to continue advocating for inclusivity, acceptance, and respect in all aspects of society. The response from the NCAA and Gonzaga to address the situation and ensure the safety of the team reflects a commitment to upholding standards of safety and preventing discrimination in the sports environment. Moving forward, it is crucial for institutions and individuals to remain vigilant against racism and hate crimes to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all participants in collegiate athletics and beyond.
