THREE POINTER:

• NCAA women’s basketball team racially harassed in Idaho.
• Local police and FBI are investigating the incident.
• The incident highlights a concerning rise in extremism in the area.

A Disturbing Incident

In a shocking incident that has left many appalled, the University of Utah women’s basketball team reported being racially harassed while participating in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament in Spokane, Washington.

The Harassment

The team members reported that while walking to dinner last Thursday in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, a truck displaying a Confederate flag yelled racial slurs and revved the engine menacingly. The same truck, along with another, was waiting as the team returned from dinner and followed them back to their hotel.

Utah Head Coach Lynne Rogers voiced her disappointment, saying, “It was really upsetting. And for our players and staff to not feel safe in an NCAA Tournament environment, that’s messed up.”

The Response

In response to the incident, the NCAA worked with Gonzaga University, the tournament site host, to provide additional security for the teams. The Utah team was relocated to a hotel in Spokane the next day.

Coeur d’Alene Mayor Jim Hammond condemned the incident at a press conference, stating, “I strongly condemn the appalling treatment of the female college athletes who are visiting Coeur d’Alene prior to the beginning of the basketball tournament in Spokane.”

A Wider Problem

This incident is not an isolated case. The Pacific Northwest, particularly Coeur d’Alene and northern Idaho, has seen a rise in extremism and was once synonymous with hate groups. The Aryan Nations relocated its headquarters there in the ’70s and ’80s, and skinhead parades were held in the ’90s.

Tony Stewart of the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations highlighted the problem, stating, “We are witnessing a troubling growth of a very toxic environment in our country and locally, by individuals and organized extremist groups to advance many forms of hatred.”

The Investigation

Local police are working with the FBI to investigate the incident and are appealing to any witnesses to come forward. Idaho Governor Brad Little, Gonzaga University, and the NCAA have all released statements condemning the incident.

While the investigation is ongoing, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the racial tensions and hatred that still exist in our society. As sports fans and human beings, it is our collective responsibility to stand against such behavior and ensure that everyone can enjoy sports in a safe and inclusive environment.

#StopRacism #NCAA