BYU says it found no evidence of racial taunting during last month’s women’s volleyball game against Duke after what the school called an “extensive review” of the incident.
Duke volleyball player Rachel Richardson, who is black, claimed to have repeatedly heard racial slurs directed at her from someone sitting in the student section of BYU during an Aug. 26 game. Richardson’s godmother also said the player was called a racial slur “every time he served”.
BYU banned fans from all sporting events shortly after Richardson’s allegations, but lifted the ban following an investigation.Staff. The review included security camera footage and BYUtv footage of him with the broadcast audio removed.
“From our extensive review, we found no evidence to support claims that fans racially taunted or uttered racial slurs at the event,” BYU said. said in a statement on Friday“As mentioned earlier, we will not tolerate behavior that endangers student-athletes, which is the reason for our prompt response and thorough investigation.
“Following an investigation, we have lifted the ban on a fan who was identified as making racist remarks during the game. We found no evidence that the individual engaged in such activity. We sincerely apologize for any difficulties the ban has caused.”
BYU communicated its findings to Duke before issuing a statement, the school told ESPN.BYU’s Tom Holmoe, the school’s athletic director, and Duke’s Nina King communicated regularly during the investigation. was
Richardson had informed his coach about the heckling during the game. She later told ESPN’s Holly Low about the incident: Clear again, but that’s game over. ”
Holmo met with Richardson on August 27 and made some changes to the fan code of conduct, including changing where volleyball fans sit during games. Richardson praised Holmo’s handling of the case, telling Lowe, “I could see how sorry he was and I was honestly shocked that it happened.”
Duke AD King expressed the university’s support for Richardson and all members of the school’s volleyball team on Friday.
“The 18 members of the Duke University volleyball team are exceptionally strong women who represent themselves, their families and Duke University with the highest integrity,” King said in a statement. “We unequivocally support and defend them, especially when their character is called into question. Duke Athletics believes in respect, equality and inclusion, and tolerates hatred and bigotry. I won’t.”
Richardson’s godmother, Letha Pamplin, initially drew attention by tweeting about the alleged defamation. She said Friday she does not accept the BYU findings.
“Today’s BYU statement does not change my position,” Pamplin said in a statement. match.
“Every day, across America, the burden of proof is unfairly and reluctantly shifted in instances like this involving people of color, marginalized, economically disadvantaged, and powerless. .”
In a statement Friday, BYU reiterated its policy of zero tolerance for racism at any of its sporting events.
“Some may think we are selective in our judging,” the statement said. “On the contrary, we are striving to investigate as thoroughly as possible and will update the invitation to anyone who has evidence to the contrary to our findings to come forward and share. We hope that these recordings and interviews will help all concerned understand our sincere commitment to ensuring that all student-athletes competing at BYU feel safe.”
South Carolina’s women’s basketball team recently canceled its home-and-home series with BYU, citing an incident at a Duke-BYU volleyball game.
Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley released a statement later Friday saying he supports her decision to cancel the series.
“After personal research, I made the decision for the well-being of the team,” Staley said. “I regret that my university, track and field coach Ray Tanner, and others have been embroiled in criticism of the choices I have made.”
BYU said it was “extremely disappointed” by South Carolina’s decision and asked for patience while it considered the allegations.
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.
