Authorities in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho are actively investigating racist incidents that targeted the Utah women's basketball team during their stay in the area for the NCAA Tournament last month. The Coeur d’Alene Police Department revealed that an audio recording containing the use of a racial slur has been discovered, prompting a thorough examination to determine the context and potential legal violations associated with the slur's use.
Police have indicated that they are in possession of approximately 35 hours of video footage from local businesses, which supports the accounts provided by members of the basketball program. It has been reported that a racial slur was used on multiple occasions during the incidents that occurred on March 21.
Following the team's defeat to Gonzaga in the tournament's second round on March 25, Utes coach Lynne Roberts disclosed that her team had encountered a series of hate crimes upon their arrival at the Coeur d’Alene hotel. The team, which was staying in Coeur d’Alene despite playing their games in Spokane, Washington, relocated to a different hotel the next day due to safety concerns.
University athletic officials confirmed that a police report was filed on March 21 after the incidents, and they are cooperating with law enforcement in the ongoing investigation. The officials expressed deep concern over the distress and fear experienced by students, staff, and other members of the traveling party as a result of the incidents.
Coeur d’Alene Police Chief Lee White disclosed that around 100 individuals were present in the vicinity on the night of the incidents. He mentioned that potential state charges, such as malicious harassment and disorderly conduct, could be pursued if suspects are apprehended. Chief White also stated that collaboration with the FBI is underway.
Notably, far-right extremist groups have been known to operate in the region, with the Southern Poverty Law Center identifying at least nine hate groups in the Spokane and northern Idaho area in 2018.
When a resolution condemning racism and hate speech in response to the Utah team incidents was presented in the Idaho Senate, several Republican senators expressed skepticism or lack of awareness regarding the situation. After a 30-minute debate, the resolution was ultimately approved.
For more information on the NCAA Women's Tournament, visit the AP March Madness bracket and for comprehensive coverage, check out AP's March Madness hub.
