Actions

Investigation underway after Norfolk State alleges Illinois State fans used racial slurs

Norfolk State Robert Jones.png
Posted

NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk State's win over Illinois State on Saturday is not about the result, but about an ugly incident midway through the men's basketball game.

During the second half, Spartan guard Jamarii Thomas had an interaction with fans courtside. After Thomas told NSU head coach Robert Jones, Jones walked onto the floor and yelled at the group of fans along with the officials.

After the game, Jones tweeted that a player had been called a racial slur.

When Jones returned to the sidelines, ISU head coach Ryan Pedon confronted him. Both coaches began yelling at each other, drawing both teams towards half-court. Jones and Pedon were issued technical fouls and the fans were ejected from the game.

Through the school on Sunday night, Norfolk State President Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston and Athletic Director Melody Webb issued a statement, saying the situation is "profoundly disappointing."

"We are at a critical time in this nation and world as it relates to race relations, and any type of hate speech or language is unacceptable," the statement said.

Dr. Adams-Gaston and Webb said they heard from Illinois State and the school was going to investigate what happened.

Illinois State released a statement to ESPN on Sunday confirming their investigation.

"They have stated the behavior shown to our student-athletes at the Horton Field House is not representative of their institution and they will fully investigate this incident," Dr. Adams-Gaston and Webb's statement said. "We acknowledge their apology and look forward to hearing the results of their investigation."

Norfolk State won the game 64-58, improving to 7-3 on the season.

CBS6-News-at-4pm-and-Jennifer-Hudson-480x360.jpg

Entertainment

Watch 'The Jennifer Hudson Show' weekdays at 3 p.m. on CBS 6!

📱 Download CBS 6 News App
The app features breaking news alerts, live video, weather radar, traffic incidents, closings and delays and more.