On Monday evening, Penn State and its basketball student section, the “Legion of Blue”, released statements addressing the allegations of the student section, the “Legion of Blue,” using abusive language toward the Rutgers men’s basketball team’s bench, among other inappropriate behavior.
According to the statement, the results of an investigation that included Rutgers University staff members and campus police officers found that no racial slurs were used during the event.
“Further investigation into reported fan behavior at the Penn State versus Rutgers basketball game on Sunday has found that no apparent racial slurs were used by Penn State fans,” the statement read. “A deeper look into the matter today included conversations with Rutgers athletic director and staff, reports from University police officers at the event, and other game staff. Information was inaccurately conveyed to the Legion of Blue student group, which supports Penn State men’s basketball, and has not been found to be true.
“ICA is aware that some fans were using vulgar language directed toward Rutgers players and fans, and we are disappointed as it does not represent Penn State values, appropriate fan conduct, or the Happy Valley Hospitality for which we are known. Fan behavior is important to the experience of all teams and visitors to Penn State and our goal is to create an environment that is competitive, but welcoming.”
The Legion of Blue released a statement as well.
An update regarding allegations made on the legion of Blue and Penn State supporters regarding racist and vulgar language on Sunday night.
More Info ➡️ https://t.co/HJGX9J3ZOX pic.twitter.com/xtTQnPoz5f
— Legion of Blue (@LegionofBluePSU) February 28, 2023
“A private message to the Legion of Blue members was sent out last night regarding a reported incident between members of the Penn State student section and Rutgers basketball team,” the statement read. “This message was sent based on the information we received shortly after the conclusion of the game. We have been informed that this information has been found to be inaccurate.”
The statement said that some of the student section’s conduct was “far from appropriate” but said it “would not tolerate racist language used by the Legion of Blue and other supporters. This is not who we are and we would not stand for this conduct.”
“We are aware that last night there were some members of the student section who used vulgar language directed at the Rutgers team,” the statement read. This is unacceptable and our previous message to the Legion of Blue addressed this conduct.”
The statement comes after a GroupMe message from the student section’s Vice President, Noah Odige, revealed reported behavior issues ranging from swearing to racial slurs. Noah Riffe, a photo editor with Gannett, obtained and tweeted the message. Riffe told USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey that he communicated with Odige, and Odige didn’t deny the message’s legitimacy.
“Loved the energy from the crowd, Odige wrote. “There are some issues however, that need to be addressed.
“Firstly, there are lines we do not cross as fans, that includes being physical, hostile, or in any way disrespectful to opposing fans, players, coaches, etc. ‘Happy Valley Hospitality’ isn’t just a thing that we say, it’s an attitude that we stay consistent with.”
Penn State’s student section has been located behind the team’s benches since the start of this season.
Odige’s note mentioned reports of a Penn State fan throwing a fathead at a member of the Rutgers program.
“That is unacceptable,” Odige wrote, “and it’s something that can not only get you barred from the BJC but face police charges as well.”
Odige wrote that Penn State athletics received a police warning “due to the alleged explicit, racist, and vulgar language directed to members of the Rutgers basketball team.”
“Things such as f-bombs, n-words, and other slurs being thrown around are downright unacceptable, and the privilege of sitting behind the benches will be revoked if this behavior continues.”
A Rutgers’ travel staff member that sat on the court told USA TODAY NETWORK NEW JERSEY he “did not hear any racist taunts” but did describe a “stream of vulgarities showered upon the team throughout the game.”
Odige wrote that Penn State and the Legion of Blue’s leaders were “extremely disappointed by the behavior displayed.”
“Not only is it a bad look for the Legion of Blue but for our program and university as well,” he wrote.
Penn State coach Micah Shrewsberry voiced similar thoughts in Monday’s weekly press conference.
“If anything did happen — we’re checking into everything — but if anything did happen, that’s something that is completely unacceptable,” Shrewsberry said at the Bryce Jordan Center. “That’s the fastest way for me to say you guys should be sitting up top if anything like that happens. We’re gonna compete, we’re gonna cheer for our team, but anybody that crosses the line, we don’t condone that as an athletic department or as a university or as a human being.”
“A private message to the Llegion of Blue members was sent out last night regarding a reported incident between members of the Penn State student section and Rutgers basketball team. This message was sent based on the information we received shortly after the conclusion of the game. We have been informed that this information has been found to be inaccurate.”
The Legion of Blue’s statement ended by saying that its “mission is to continue to support (the) Penn State Men’s Basketball team and the Lady Lions to the best of our ability while making each game a welcoming environment for all parties involved.
