Utah coach Lynne Roberts revealed that her team experienced “racial hate crimes” after arriving at their first NCAA Tournament hotel, prompting them to change hotels for safety concerns. The incidents occurred in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where Utah and other teams were staying due to a lack of hotel space in the Spokane area. These incidents were of great concern to the team, and they were ultimately moved to a different hotel on Friday. Roberts emphasized that racism is real and it was distressing for the players and staff to not feel safe in an NCAA Tournament environment.
The limited hotel space in the Spokane area led to teams like Utah being housed in Coeur d’Alene, despite Gonzaga being the host school. This was due to other events taking place in the area, such as a men’s NCAA Tournament and a youth volleyball tournament. The incidents of racial hate crimes experienced by Utah and other teams highlighted the presence of far-right extremists in the region. At least nine hate groups operated in the Spokane and northern Idaho region in 2018, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center. The safety and welfare of everyone participating in the event were emphasized by Gonzaga, and efforts were made to ensure the team’s security.
Roberts expressed her disappointment that the NCAA Tournament experience was marred by these incidents, which were upsetting and distracting for the team. She noted that diversity is usually celebrated in college environments, and encountering racism in this setting was shocking. The NCAA and Gonzaga collaborated to address the safety concerns and move the team to a new hotel after the first night. The priority was to ensure the well-being of all participants in the tournament, and Gonzaga stated that the situation did not reflect the values they uphold as an institution.
The incidents of racial hate crimes experienced by Utah during the NCAA Tournament shed light on the ongoing issue of racism and extremism in the region. These events served as a stark reminder of the real-world challenges faced by athletes and staff, even in the seemingly celebratory environment of a major sporting event. The impact of these incidents on the team’s experience was significant, as they were meant to be enjoying a positive and joyous time at the tournament. Moving forward, it is crucial for organizations and institutions to continue working towards creating safe and inclusive environments for all participants, regardless of race or background.
The incidents faced by Utah at the NCAA Tournament highlight the need for continued efforts to address and combat racism in sports and society as a whole. Organizations like the NCAA and schools like Gonzaga must be proactive in ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants, especially in high-profile events like the NCAA Tournament. The experiences of the Utah team serve as a stark reminder of the challenges and obstacles faced by marginalized groups, and the importance of creating a culture of respect and inclusion. By taking a stand against racism and hate, institutions can work towards creating a more equitable and welcoming environment for all individuals involved in sports and beyond.
