A BYU fan has been banned after directing racial slurs toward a Duke volleyball player during their match on Friday in Provo, Utah.
The accusation first surfaced on Twitter when user Lesa Pamplin said her goddaughter was called the n-word.
“I’m looking at you BYU,” she wrote. “You allowed this racist behavior to continue without intervening.”
BYU has since released a statement apologizing to Duke and its student athletes. The statement also said while the fan was sitting in the student section, they were not a BYU student.
“To say we are extremely disheartened in the actions of a small number of fans in last night’s volleyball match in the Smith Fieldhouse between BYU and Duke is not strong enough language. We will not tolerate behavior of this kind. Specially, the use of a racial slur at any of our athletic events is absolutely unacceptable and BYU Athletics holds a zero tolerance approach to this behavior,” the statement read. “We want BYU athletic events to provide a safe environment for all, and there is no place for behaviors like this our venues.”
Duke issued a statement shortly after.
“First and foremost, our priority is the well-being of Duke student-athletes,” Duke Vice President & Director of Athletics Nina King said. “They should always have the opportunity to compete in an inclusive, anti-racist environment which promotes equality and fair play. Following extremely unfortunate circumstances at Friday night’s match at BYU, we are compelled to shift today’s match against Rider to a different location to afford both teams the safest atmosphere for competition.”
“We are appreciative of the support from BYU’s athletic administration as we navigate this troubling situation. I have been in touch with the student-athletes who have been deeply impacted, will continue to support them in every way possible and look forward to connecting further upon their return from Provo.”
