The world of NCAA sports was rocked this week when Michigan State Spartans hockey player Jagger Joshua revealed that an unnamed Ohio State Buckeyes player used a racial slur toward him multiple times during a game earlier in the month. And now Ohio State has made a statement on the matter.
On Wednesday, Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith released a statement apologizing to Joshua for the incident. In the statement, Smith revealed that the player was Buckeye forward Kamil Sadlocha, and that he is “returning home and will not practice or compete at this time.
Here is Smith’s entire statement, according to ESPN:
“I want to offer my sincere and heartfelt apology to Jagger Joshua. On behalf of Ohio State University, I am so sorry. No student or student-athlete should experience hatred or racism, and everyone should feel welcome. I have spoken with Michigan State athletic director Alan Haller, and I’m thankful Jagger is getting the support he needs.
Over the last week, the department of athletics has worked through this on-ice incident and spoken with Kamil Sadlocha and the rest of the team, and Kamil is returning home and will not practice or compete at this time.
I have met with the men’s hockey team and will be meeting with them again soon to discuss our values. The team will complete education on racial sensitivity, diversity, equity, inclusion and the use of respectful dialog. The department and I will support them through this important process.”
Ohio State was previously criticized for the way it handled the incident, but the apology is certainly a step in the right direction.
[ESPN]
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