Detectives in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, are investigating an incident involving the University of Utah women’s basketball team during their stay in the city for the women’s NCAA Tournament. The police department confirmed that a racial slur was used against the team, with the slur being audible in an audio recording that was identified. The incident occurred on March 21 when the team was in Idaho ahead of their first tournament game in Spokane, Washington. The team, composed of Black, white, and Latina athletes, reported being subjected to a series of “racial hate crimes,” prompting the need for their relocation to a hotel closer to the host city for safety reasons.
The Coeur d’Alene Police Department has been conducting interviews and collecting video footage from businesses in the area where the incidents occurred. They have stated that some of the collected evidence supports the reports made by members of the basketball program. Detectives are working to identify a suspect and establish a timeline based on the videos available, with a focus on locating a silver sedan that was in the area at the time of the incident. Utah athletics officials have shared accounts of the incidents, including a driver revving their engine and yelling a racial slur at the group while they were out to dinner. When leaving the restaurant, two trucks approached them, and the drivers also yelled the slur.
The Utah women’s basketball team was one of three teams staying in Coeur d’Alene for the tournament, despite the games being held in Spokane. Due to a lack of hotel space in the area, the teams were distributed across various locations. The NCAA and host school Gonzaga assisted in moving the Utah team to a different hotel after the incidents occurred. Head coach Lynne Roberts brought attention to the racism her team experienced during a news conference, emphasizing that racism is a real issue that can have a significant impact on individuals. She expressed concern for the safety and well-being of her players and staff who were affected by the incidents, highlighting the need for a safe and inclusive environment in sports.
Roberts’ statements regarding the racial incidents faced by her team shed light on the realities of racism and discrimination that exist in society, even within the context of collegiate sports. The impact of such incidents on the players, regardless of their race, was profound and concerning, as the team members were left feeling unsafe and uncomfortable in a supposedly supportive and competitive environment. The actions of the individuals responsible for using racial slurs highlight the ongoing challenges of combatting racism and promoting diversity and inclusion in sports and beyond.
The ongoing investigation by the Coeur d’Alene Police Department aims to uncover further evidence, identify suspects, and determine the context and motive behind the use of the racial slur. Efforts to locate the silver sedan and analyze video footage are key components of the investigation, as authorities work towards holding those responsible accountable for their actions. The incident involving the Utah women’s basketball team serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing and confronting racism, intolerance, and discrimination to create a more equitable and inclusive society. The support and action taken by the NCAA, Gonzaga, and law enforcement in response to the incident demonstrate the commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals involved in collegiate sports.
