Illinois State University officials say an internal investigation could not prove whether a fan shouted a racial slur during a men's basketball game last month at Horton Field House.
The investigation by the Illinois State University Ethics Office was launched following a heated Dec. 9 game at Horton in which Norfolk State coach Robert Jones alleged spectators called one of his players the N-word. (This is according to a since-deleted post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.)
Norfolk State is a historically Black university (HBCU), and Illinois State University is considered a “predominantly white institution,” or PWI.
Finding no proof a racial slur was used, the ethics office has moved to close its investigation.
“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 University spokesperson Chris Coplan wrote in a statement.
ISU reviewed statements from 47 people of the 50 who were identified to have been “in the vicinity” when the alleged incident occurred. Coplan did not disclose to WGLT whether the university spoke with the three fans who were relocated to the second level following the incident. Norfolk State, he said, chose not to participate in the investigation.
It was first reported those three fans had been removed from the game.
The incident prompted a heated exchange between Jones and ISU head coach Ryan Pedon at center court. Jones said he told Pedon about the slur from the fan. Pedon said the following day on social media "he absolutely did not hear what [Jones] was saying to me."
The ethics commission also reviewed “all available video and audio recordings, along with the lead official’s game report, game operations plan, and seating diagrams,” Coplan wrote.
ISU Interim President Aandover Tarhule wrote in a statement to the ISU community that this included ESPN+ camera footage from the game. The remainder of his statement was largely identical to that of Coplan.
Tarhule did add: “History shows us that incidents like this have happened far too often in many public spaces, without accountability or appropriate repercussions. It is important to me and our entire campus community that such behavior is not only called out as unacceptable but also redressed.”
Norfolk State University President Javaune Adams-Gaston and Director of Athletics Melody Webb responded with a statement that they "stand with our student-athletes, coach Robert Jones, and staff who traveled with the team."
"The external investigation into this matter was very important, and we are appreciative of the efforts made by Illinois State University. It is disheartening to see instances of racism tarnishing the spirit of fair play and camaraderie that sports are meant to embody."
