Video and audio evidence obtained by investigators has confirmed reports that members of the Utah women’s basketball team experienced harassment and racial slurs during an incident on March 21. The police in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, have verified this information.
The police announced on Wednesday night that they have discovered an audio recording in which a racial slur was clearly audible. They are currently investigating the context and behavior surrounding the use of this slur to determine if it constitutes a legal violation. Although they are still examining the evidence, it appears that the racial slur was used on multiple occasions.
The Coeur d’Alene Police Department has released a photograph of a silver car that was present in the vicinity at the time of the incident. They are urging anyone who may have information about the vehicle to get in touch with detectives at 208-769-2320 or submit a tip online.
According to the police, interviews with the individuals involved have been conducted, and approximately 35 hours of surveillance video from nearby businesses have been collected as part of the investigation into the incident.
According to a spokesperson from the Coeur d’Alene Police Department, local detectives, along with the FBI, are actively involved in the case. They have planned to travel to Utah to interview the players.
According to ABC News, the FBI has acknowledged being informed about the incident on March 27. However, they have not initiated an investigation yet. The FBI mentioned that they are prepared to investigate if any information surfaces regarding a potential federal violation.
The Utah women’s basketball team spokesperson informed ABC News on Monday that they are actively collaborating with the authorities conducting the investigation and providing unwavering support to their student athletes.
According to a police report filed on March 21 by Robert Moyer, a witness who identified himself as a team donor and was traveling with the Utah women’s basketball team, the players were targeted twice at the Crafted Tap House. The incidents occurred while the team was arriving at and leaving the restaurant after having dinner.
ABC News has obtained police body camera footage that features audio of Moyer’s 911 call, in which he requested to meet with the police to report the incident. The video also captures his conversation with a police officer who arrived at the scene.
According to Moyer, the Utah women’s basketball team had been in Coeur d’Alene for several days to participate in the NCAA Tournament. Moyer expressed concern for their safety as they chose to stay in the city following the incident.
“I’m extremely angry,” Moyer expressed, venting his frustration to a police officer. He stated his intention to file a report following an incident where a group of white men drove down the strip near the Crafted Tap House in Coeur D’Alene. According to Moyer, the men began “revving their engines” and hurling racial slurs, including the offensive “f-bombs” and “n-bombs,” at a group of Black female basketball players in the vicinity of the Crafted Tap House.
Moyer stated that the initial incident occurred at approximately “6-ish,” while the second incident happened around 8:30 p.m. He revealed that the same trucks harassed the players before they entered the restaurant and then repeated the behavior by waiting for them to exit.
“That incident frightened them. It was an extremely unsettling experience,” Moyer shared, emphasizing that one of the players was overcome with tears due to the fear it caused.
When questioned about the appearance of the individuals or the trucks, Moyer stated that one of the trucks was white and they were what he referred to as “screamer trucks,” which were noticeably lifted.
The police officer assured Moyer that a report had been filed and the incident was documented, urging Moyer to contact the police if any further incidents occurred during their stay in Coeur D’Alene.
The officer stated that if they hear such remarks in their presence, they will definitely arrest the individuals.
During a post-game press conference on March 25, Utah’s women’s basketball head coach Lynne Roberts addressed the incident, although the players have not spoken out publicly about it.
“We experienced multiple incidents of racial hate crimes targeting our program, which deeply disturbed all of us,” said Roberts. “Racism is a harsh reality that exists, and it’s a terrible thing.”
In a statement to ABC News on March 27, the NCAA expressed its devastation over the incident.
“The NCAA strongly opposes racism and hatred in all its forms and is dedicated to offering student-athletes a superior athletic and academic journey that promotes their overall well-being,” affirmed the NCAA in a statement. “NCAA championship events stand as the ultimate achievement in a student-athlete’s college life.”
