A high school basketball game in Michigan was halted earlier this month after a spectator in the student section screamed a racial slur at an African American player on the opposing team.
Mike Baszler, the superintendent of Goodrich Area Schools, acknowledged in a statement earlier this week that the district has taken action after cell phone footage of the alleged incident went viral.
In the video, a spectator can be heard yelling the slur as a player from Kearsley High School in Flint attempts and misses a free throw during a game at Goodrich High School on Feb. 17.
Others can be overheard reacting angrily, and the game was abruptly stopped while officials attempted to identify the guilty party.
“Last week at a varsity boys basketball game, a derogatory racial slur was made from the student section,’ Baszler’s statement read, as posted to Facebook. “Game administration immediately paused the contest to address the situation.”
The school’s athletic director and administrators immediately approached the student section, the statement continued, and “when the individual responsible did not initially come forward,” the entire student section was removed from the gym.
“Our Athletic Director and administration swiftly determined which student made the comment and addressed it in accordance with our student code of conduct,” Baszler wrote. “We take matters like this seriously, which is why the student section was promptly removed, the matter was investigated, and the conduct was addressed.
“This action was taken to ensure the environment reflected the standards of sportsmanship and respect we expect at all Goodrich Area Schools events. We will continue to educate our students about the importance of sportsmanship, respect for others, and representing our school community.”
The game eventually resumed and Goodrich went on to defeat Kearsley, 64-59.