Illinois State University’s nostalgic return to Horton Field House on Saturday was marred by accusations that fans called Norfolk State players a racial slur, leading to a heated midcourt confrontation between the two head coaches. ISU said it's investigating and has apologized to Norfolk State.
The incident happened with about 8 minutes to go in the second half. Broadcast video from the game shows fans in the first row talking to Norfolk State player Jamarii Thomas, though you can't hear what is said. Norfolk State coach Robert Jones then appears to get agitated, leading to a brief shouting match with ISU coach Ryan Pedon. Both benches and each coach were assessed a technical foul, with three fans being removed from the game, according to the student media outlet The Vidette. Officials said a fan or fans made “idiotic comments” that were “of a racial nature,” according to the TV broadcasters calling the game.
“I’m not letting anybody call my players a racial slur,” Jones tweeted after the game. “Those are my kids and I will fight for them. We have come too far in society to be called the N word at college basketball game.”
Norfolk State is a historically Black university (HBCU). Illinois State University is what’s known as a “predominantly white institution,” or PWI.
“This how PWI fans really feel bout they African American players,” Thomas tweeted.
I’m not letting anybody call my players a racial slur . Those are my kids and I will fight for them. We have come too far in society to be called the N word at college basketball game. https://t.co/hoyJ9VfSAx
— Robert Jones (@NSUCoachJones) December 10, 2023
After the game, Pedon acknowledged being “upset (Jones) was on the floor and I was raising hell with the referees. It was never personal towards him,” according to The Vidette.
"I'm a competitor, man. I'm an Italian, so sometimes my emotions can get the best of me at times, but I don't apologize for my competitive edge and that's how I want our teams to play," Pedon said.
On Sunday evening, Pedon issued a statement saying that he reached out to Jones to apologize.
"I take full responsibility for my actions," Pedon said. "I was wrong for allowing the situation to escalate. I expressed to Coach Jones after the game — I absolutely did not hear what he was saying to me. Had I heard Coach Jones, my response would have been completely different. This was a misunderstanding in which I reacted to him without understanding the situation, and I own that mistake 100%. I would also like to apologize for any negative reflection my response may have brought to either institution, its student-athletes, or basketball programs."
— Illinois State Men's Basketball (@Redbird_MBB) December 11, 2023
ISU and Norfolk State issue statements
Through a spokesperson, ISU issued a statement Sunday afternoon:
"The men’s basketball game on Saturday between Illinois State and Norfolk State was regrettably marred by the report of a racial slur directed at a Norfolk State player by an Illinois State fan," ISU said in the statement. "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 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," ISU said.
Norfolk State President Javaune Adams-Gaston and Director of Athletics Melody Webb issued a statement Sunday night:
“We are profoundly disappointed at the events that transpired during the men’s basketball game yesterday at Illinois State University where racial epithets were shouted at our student-athletes. 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," they wrote.
"This type of behavior and language has no place in society or in athletic competition. College athletics is rooted in sportsmanship, camaraderie and exhibiting school pride. We appreciate Coach Jones for standing up for our student-athletes, and we commend our student-athletes for exhibiting restraint during a stressful ordeal. Our student-athletes followed in the footsteps of the late Bill Russell and basketball great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar during their collegiate careers, and successfully played through racial slurs meant to traumatize and disrupt the team. Our students remained Spartan Strong, but that is not something they should have to overcome during an athletic event in 2023. We are so proud of our team maintaining a competitive game and spectacular performance for a win against Illinois State University.
"We have heard from the president and athletic director of Illinois State University. 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. We acknowledge their apology and look forward to hearing the results of their investigation.”
Norfolk State won the game, 64-58, in front of 3,788 fans inside Horton Field House. Thomas scored a career-high 31 points.
