After further investigation, Penn State Athletic Department found no «apparent racial slurs» used by Nittany Lions fans during the men’s basketball game Sunday night despite the allegations, the university told Fox News Digital in a statement.
«A deeper look into the matter today included conversations with the Rutgers athletic director and staff, reports from University police officers at the event and other game personnel. The information was incorrectly passed on to the Legion of Student group. Blue, who supports Penn State men’s basketball, and has not been found to be true.»
The university admitted that the «vulgar language» was directed at Rutgers players, which it announced.
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Rutgers’ Antwone Woolfolk (13) defends against Penn State’s Camren Wynter (11) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, February 26, 2023, in State College, Pennsylvania. (AP Photo/Gary M. Baranec)
«We are disappointed that it does not represent Penn State values, proper fan conduct or the Happy Valley hospitality for which we are known,» the statement read. «Fan behavior is important to the experience of all Penn State teams and visitors and our goal is to create a competitive, yet welcoming environment.
The athletics department issued a warning to its student and fan organization, the Blue Legion, after a message from the group’s vice president revealed the university had received a warning from police about «suspected explicit, racist and vulgar language» directed at toward Rutgers.
rutgers recovered from a 19-point second-half deficit to defeat Penn State, 59-56, on Sunday night, marking the biggest comeback for the Scarlet Knights in nearly 30 years.
While the Nittany Lions were stunned by surprise, a message obtained by Noah Riffe, a Gannett photo editor, revealed that some members of the Legion of Blue allegedly used explicit, racist language directed at the opposing team.
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«Obviously not the result we wanted on the court,» said the message from the group’s vice president, Noah Odige. «I loved the energy of the crowd. However, there are some issues that need to be addressed.»
«First of all, there are lines we don’t cross as fans, this includes being physical, hostile or in any way disrespectful to fans, players, coaches etc,» Odige continued, explaining that there were reports that a fan had launched a big poster to one of the players or coaches of the opposing team.
Penn State Nittany Lions head coach Micah Shrewsberry gestures from the bench during the second half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at the Bryce Jordan Center. Rutgers defeated Penn State 59-56. (Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports)
“In addition, police have issued a warning to the athletics for alleged explicit, racist, and vulgar language directed at members of the Rutgers basketball team.”
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Odige did not explicitly detail what was allegedly said, but did issue a stern warning to the fan group.
«Things like f-bombs, n-words and other insults being thrown are absolutely unacceptable, and the privilege to sit behind the pews will be revoked if this behavior continues.»
Penn State’s athletic department told Fox News Digital in a statement earlier Monday that it was aware of the «reported interactions.»
“We have been in communication with the leaders of the Legion of Blue student group, and we do not condone the inappropriate actions of some individuals on Sunday night,” the statement read.
Penn State’s Jalen Pickett (22) stops for a score against Rutgers during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, February 26, 2023, in State College, Pennsylvania. (AP Photo/Gary M. Baranec)
«The Legion of Blue has been a tremendous supporter of Penn State Basketball for many years and has historically represented itself in a positive light while rooting for the Nittany Lions. These reported actions are out of character for the group and their leadership is aware of behavioral expectations for all fans.»
The university warned that «non-compliance may warrant expulsion from the campus, as well as the possibility of revocation of tickets and, in some cases, referral to the authorities.»
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«Fan conduct is important to the experience of all Penn State teams and visitors, and our goal is to create an environment that is competitive, yet welcoming.»
A spokesperson for Rutgers men’s basketball declined to comment on the matter, but added: «We are looking forward to our game on Thursday against Minnesota.»