The state of Colorado apologized for fans chanting “Russia” to the Ukrainian basketball player during the game

As a Utah men’s basketball player Max Shluga Approaching the free-throw line during Saturday’s game against Colorado State, the 6-foot-4 junior heard something disturbing from the stands. “Russia, Russia!” opposing fans chanted at Shluga’s – who was from Ukraine.

Shluga, whose hometown is Kyiv, still has family in the war-torn country that has been attacked by Russia for nearly a year now.

After the game, a statement was posted on the Colorado State Rams Twitter.

“Following today’s basketball game, we were made aware that a small group of people in our student section were chanting ‘Russia’ at a student-athlete from Utah who hails from Ukraine,” the statement said.

“On behalf of the State of Colorado, we apologize to the student athlete and the State of Utah,” the statement said. “This is a violation of our unwavering faith in Mountain West’s athletic conduct policy and university community principles.”

The school stated that “every member, student, and fan should feel welcome” at its venues, and “for something like this to happen would be unacceptable in the state of Colorado.”

Some have criticized the apology’s use of the word “Ukraine”, as Russians commonly refer to the former Soviet state. Ukraine and Western countries usually refer to the independent nation simply as “Ukraine”.

Colorado State men’s basketball head coach Nico Medved also shared the statement on Twitter: “I really respect [Utah State University Basketball] and Max Shulga. We have amazing fans and students, but this is unacceptable! My sincere apologies.”

The day after the game, the Utah State Athletics shared a statement regarding Shluga’s chants, saying they fully support him and his family in Ukraine.

“The incident that occurred last night during our men’s basketball game in Colorado was inappropriate and unacceptable,” the statement said. “We thank the Colorado State and the basketball staff for not condoning this behavior.”

Shlyuga played in the Ukrainian basketball leagues – even during the war with Russia. Last summer, he played for his native country at the European Championship, during which his team took 7th place.

On Saturday, “Utah” won against “Colorado” – 88:79.

Content Source

News Press Ohio – Latest News:
Columbus Local News || Cleveland Local News || Ohio State News || National News || Money and Economy News || Entertainment News || Tech News || Environment News

Related Articles

Back to top button