Nearly two months after an ugly incident in its gym against Norfolk State, Illinois State University released a statement that was predictably toothless.
Illinois State University stated that it was unable to verify the use of a slur in its Dec. 9 contest against HBCU Norfolk State.
“While the investigation did not verify the use of a racial slur, Illinois State remains committed to promoting an open and inclusive campus community where all people feel welcomed, valued, and respected,” Illinois State said in a statement on Monday night. “It is our goal as a university to move forward with a renewed effort to promote and encourage practices on our campus that help us demonstrate that commitment, including those outlined in Illinois State’s Event Code of Conduct, the Athletics Code of Sportsmanship, and the Missouri Valley Conference Sportsmanship Standards of Conduct.”
Norfolk State guard Jamarii Thomas was reportedly taunted with racial slurs in the game according to the guard as well as his coach Robert Jones. Jones confronted the officials and ISU head coach Ryan Pedone inserted himself into the discussion and things nearly got ugly.
Two days later Illinois State University issued an apology for the incident – which it now says it was unable to verify.
“The use of racial slurs and other offensive language targeting people for their identity is abhorrent and is not tolerated by Illinois State University. Among Illinois State’s core values are respect for others, diversity, and inclusion,” Illinois State’s statement read. “Illinois State has moved swiftly to investigate the report and will respond appropriately. Illinois State University and Redbird Athletics extend sincere apologies to Norfolk State University, its student-athletes, and its athletics staff for the deep upset caused, and university leaders have personally reached out to colleagues at Norfolk State.”
Norfolk State declined to participate in the investigation. Jones explained why.
“We chose not to participate because, to be honest with you, (because) it was six weeks later that they chose to reach out about the investigation,” Jones told the Virginian Pilot. “I mean, honestly, what was really going to happen, you know? So we wanted to move forward with the season and just continue on with what we’re doing now and not think about what happened Dec. 9. So just because they concluded their investigation doesn’t mean that it’s still right or wrong, in my opinion.”
Jones, as the young folks say, stood on business regarding his players at that moment. A month later Thomas’ parents, Tarique and Aja, expressed their gratitude for standing up for their son after a tough contest against North Carolina Central.
“It meant the world. When he was recruited by Norfolk State, we were trying to explain to him, ’it’s nothing like the HBCU experience. Especially as an athlete. Especially as a student, it’s more than just basketball,” Tarique Thomas said. “It was proven in that moment when Coach Jones supported the kid and stepped up for him. That was really big.”
At this point, that’s the only statement that matters.
THIS IS AN OP-ED ARTICLE WRITTEN BY STEVEN J. GAITHER, HIS VIEWS AND OPINIONS ARE NOT INTENDED TO REPRESENT THE VIEWS AND OPINIONS OF THE HBCU GAMEDAY BRAND AS A WHOLE.