The Utah women’s basketball team faced discrimination in the form of “racial hate crimes” at a hotel in Idaho before their NCAA tournament game, according to head coach Lynne Roberts. The team experienced upsetting incidents that may have included disparaging comments, leading them to feel unsafe and distracted. They promptly switched hotels, with the NCAA and Gonzaga stepping in to provide new accommodations and increased security.

Idaho Governor Brad Little condemned the incidents as “hateful, unacceptable actions” that do not reflect Idaho’s values. The NCAA also issued a statement denouncing racism and hatred, offering support for the affected team. Despite the challenges, Utah continued on to participate in the tournament, ultimately facing Gonzaga.

Gonzaga expressed solidarity with Utah, asserting that hate speech should never be tolerated. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing need to address racism and discrimination in sports and society as a whole.

As the team moves forward from this adversity, the focus remains on the game and the resilience of the players. The support from the NCAA, Gonzaga, and various officials underscores the importance of standing up against injustice and creating a safe and inclusive environment for all athletes.