Kansas guard Zeke Mayo recently shared screenshots of racist and hateful messages he received following his performance in a game against No. 10 Texas Tech. Mayo, who is a first-year Jayhawk after transferring from South Dakota State, expressed his disappointment in his performance, acknowledging his struggles on the court. He received criticism for his play, including missing a crucial 3-pointer in the final moments of the game.
Despite the negative messages, Mayo took responsibility for his performance, stating that he understands the criticism and is committed to improving. He apologized to fans and teammates for his subpar showing and vowed to work harder to elevate his game.
Coach Bill Self and athletic director Travis Goff both condemned the racist and hateful posts directed at Mayo. Goff emphasized that those responsible for the messages do not represent the Jayhawk community and expressed unwavering support for Mayo and the team. Self, taking accountability as the head coach, redirected any criticism towards himself, shielding his players from unwarranted attacks.
Mayo, who is averaging 14.0 points per game this season, has been a key contributor to the team's success. His dedication and effort on the court have not gone unnoticed by his coaches and teammates, who continue to stand by him during challenging times.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting student-athletes and fostering a positive and inclusive environment within the sports community. Despite facing adversity, Mayo remains focused on his growth as a player and is determined to bounce back stronger from this experience.
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