Members of the Utah women's basketball team faced racist hate near their hotel in Idaho when a pickup truck with a Confederate flag drove by, the driver using offensive language including the N-word, prompting the team to move to a different hotel. The incidents in Coeur d'Alene left the team shaken, with authorities confirming the details. The team experienced racial hate crimes, leading to safety concerns, with police investigating the incident.

The Big Picture

The racism encountered by the Utah women's basketball team reflects the persistence of bigotry and hate in society, particularly in regions where far-right extremists have a significant presence.

By the Numbers
  • Approximately 100 people were in the area where the racist incidents occurred.
  • Idaho Governor Brad Little stated, "There is no place for racism, hate, or bigotry in the great State of Idaho."
State of Play
  • Investigations are ongoing into the incident, with potential state charges of malicious harassment and disorderly conduct.
  • Gonzaga received a waiver from the NCAA to house teams in Idaho due to limited hotel space in the Spokane area.
  • The NCAA plans to review the championship format after the 2025 tournament, potentially moving up the review to 2024.
Bottom Line

The racist incidents faced by the Utah women's basketball team highlight the deeply troubling reality of prejudice and discrimination in society, emphasizing the critical need for vigilance and a united stand against such abhorrent behavior.