Cooper Flagg Apr 5, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) looks on during a timeout against the Houston Cougars during the second half in the semifinals of the men’s Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

The Duke Blue Devils were the favorite to win the national championship in this year’s edition of the Men’s NCAA basketball tournament. However, the Blue Devils were stunned by a miraculous comeback from the Houston Cougars in the Final Four.

Houston ended the game on a 9-0 run to win the game 70-67, but the ending wasn’t without controversy. Duke star was called for an extremely questionable over-the-back foul that proved costly.

Now, one prominent member of the sports media sphere is wondering if DEI may be the reason for the call.

“Here’s the intended consequence of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion. Typical bad call by a ref. I see it. Chalk it up to bad officiating. Because of DEI and constant race focus, I see it and wonder about the black ref who made the bogus call on the white kid,” wondered Jason Whitlock on Twitter.

Fans reacted to Whitlock on social media.

“What are you talking about? This take is crazy on so many levels. Refs make bad calls every day, but somehow you are blaming DEI for missed calls. Really? Anytime something happens involving with people of color or women it’s because of diversity, equity, and inclusion?” one person wrote on Twitter.

“This might be the dumbest comment of all time. Amazing you have a platform as big as you do,” someone else added.

“I don’t talk down on here but you are legit scum, Bad call, Possibly , But that happens , Stop trying to Race bait against your own Kind, DEI has nothing to do with a missed call, Duke could not score the last 3 minutes , That’s why they loss,”another person wrote.

It’s certainly one of Whitlock’s more bizarre takes.

About Qwame Skinner

Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. At Next Impulse, Qwame covers sports with the same enthusiasm he brings to his recreational basketball and softball leagues.