High school quarterback TC Manumaleuna II of Salem, Oregon seems like a no-brainer to end up playing for the Oregon Ducks one day. However, following an incident at this weekend’s game against the BYU Cougars and a derogatory chant towards Mormons, he may now think twice.
I’ll be at the @oregonfootball /@BYUfootball game this weekend. I got to sit in a lot of offensive meetings with BYU and Oregon during visits so It’s going to be lit to see both coaches @CoachRoderick and @KennyDillingham go to work 💯. #ScoDucks #BYU Let’s Go‼️#NorthSalemVikings
— TC Manumaleuna II (@TCqbll) September 15, 2022
Manumaleuna has an offer from Oregon and has spoken with the staff at BYU so it seems logical to attend this past Saturday’s game. He and his family belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, so it must have been quite the disturbing experience when the Ducks student section started chanting “F*** the Mormons” at the BYU players.
Per Ben Lonergan and Pete Martini of The Statesman Journal, Manumaleuna said he and his family left at halftime due to the chant.
“I’ve always been an Oregon fan, but it’s the first time I’ve seen something like this,” said Manumaleeuna, who added that while the incident wouldn’t stop him from potentially attending Oregon, “I’d be lying if I said it didn’t have some kind of impact on me.”
He added that Oregon coaching staff members reached out to him and his family. The school and the student section have both since apologized for the chant.
Manumaleeuna also responded to a tweet on Sunday in which he said “I think I know what hate feels like now. But I went stake conference this morning so I feel better.”
Ngl, It stung. Sitting in Sec 9, row 6, seat 2. Right next to the chants. I think I know what hate feels like now. But I went stake conference this morning so I feel better 😉✊.
— TC Manumaleuna II (@TCqbll) September 18, 2022
Along with Oregon, Manumaleuna currently holds offers from Florida State, Louisville, and Miami.
[The Statesman Journal, Deseret News]
