Rutgers players allege racist abuse by Penn State fans

Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports

Penn State fans accused of using racist language toward Rutgers players

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 2/27/23

Penn State has responded to some disturbing allegations regarding Sunday's men's basketball game between the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and Nittany Lions.

As mentioned by Jerry Carino of the Asbury Park Press, a message from the vice president of the Legion of Blue, Penn State’s student cheering section and organization, sent to group members accused some individuals who attended Sunday's game at the Bryce Jordan Center of using vulgar and racist language toward Rutgers players.

The Scarlet Knights erased a 19-point second-half deficit to stun the Nittany Lions 59-56.

In a statement shared by Carino and also NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, Penn State Athletics said they're "aware of the reported interactions between the student section and the Rutgers men’s basketball team" on Sunday evening. That statement insisted that "these reported actions are out of character" for the Legion of Blue group. However, Penn State did not say if it was investigating to find any guilty parties linked with "the inappropriate actions of some individuals."

Noah Riffe, a photo editor with Gannett, tweeted a screenshot of the message sent by Legion of Blue vice president Noah Odige. Odige did not deny the message is real:

Penn State student section Legion of Blue issued a note to its members alleging slurs were used against Rutgers Men’s Basketball players.

The note also shares they have been warned by the athletics department and police. pic.twitter.com/V0cQYBVKMi
— Noah Riffe (@NoahRiffe) February 27, 2023

"Noncompliance may warrant ejection from the venue, as well as the possibility of revocation of tickets and, in some cases, reference to the authorities," Penn State continued in its statement. "Fan conduct is important to the experience of all teams and visitors to Penn State and our goal is to create an environment that is competitive, but welcoming."

Carino reported that a member of Rutgers' traveling party who sat courtside for Sunday's game heard a "stream of vulgarities" directed toward visiting players. That person did not notice any of the supposed racist taunts.

Rutgers improved to 18-11 overall and 10-8 in conference action via Sunday's result. The Scarlet Knights next play at the Minnesota Golden Gophers (7-20, 1-16) on Thursday. Penn State (17-12, 8-10) is next at the Northwestern Wildcats (20-9, 11-7) on Wednesday.

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