The Coeur d’Alene Police Department in Idaho has been investigating allegations of racial hate crimes against the Utah women’s basketball team while they were in town for the NCAA women’s tournament. The investigation has turned up evidence that corroborates the players’ testimony, including approximately 35 hours of video evidence from businesses in the area. Police confirmed that a racial slur was clearly audible in one piece of evidence, and are working to determine the context and conduct associated with its use to see if it constitutes a violation of the law. It appears that the racial slur was used more than once, and detectives are currently working to locate any additional evidence to further investigate the matter.
Utah women’s basketball coach Lynne Roberts spoke out after her team’s loss to Gonzaga in the second round of the tournament, saying that the team had experienced a series of hate crimes upon arriving at their hotel in Coeur d’Alene. She described the incidents as “incredibly upsetting” for everyone involved, given that there is typically a great deal of diversity on college campuses and in athletics. The university released a statement the following day detailing two disturbing encounters, including incidents where players were subjected to racial epithets and threats from individuals in passing vehicles while walking to and from dinner. The police are continuing to investigate the matter, and are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a silver passenger car that was seen in the area around the time of the incidents.
The investigation into the alleged racial hate crimes against the Utah women’s basketball team has been ongoing, with detectives reviewing surveillance footage and audio recordings to gather evidence. Police have confirmed the presence of a racial slur in one piece of evidence, and are working to determine the context in which it was used. The incidents have been described as disturbing and shocking by the team’s coach, who expressed concern about the lack of exposure to such behavior in athletic and university settings. The university has released a statement detailing the encounters that occurred, including instances of racial epithets and threats being shouted at the players by individuals in passing vehicles.
The Coeur d’Alene Police Department is actively investigating the allegations of racial hate crimes against the Utah women’s basketball team, with detectives working to gather evidence and locate additional information to determine the full extent of the incidents. In one piece of evidence, a racial slur was clearly audible, prompting further investigation into the context and conduct associated with its use. The team’s coach has spoken out about the incidents, expressing shock and concern at the hateful behavior experienced by the players. The public is being asked to assist in identifying a silver passenger car that was caught on surveillance footage in the area at the time the incidents occurred, in hopes of furthering the investigation and holding those responsible accountable for their actions.
The incidents of racial hate crimes against the Utah women’s basketball team have raised concerns and prompted action from law enforcement, with the Coeur d’Alene Police Department working to gather evidence and investigate the matter. Police have confirmed the presence of a racial slur in one piece of surveillance footage, and are working to determine if it constitutes a violation of the law. The team’s coach has expressed dismay at the hateful behavior experienced by her players, and the university has released a statement detailing the disturbing encounters that occurred. The investigation is ongoing, with detectives continuing to review evidence and seek the public’s assistance in identifying a silver passenger car seen in the area at the time of the incidents.
