Illinois State Fans’ Alleged Slur Aimed at Norfolk State Player Sparks Altercation

Per ESPN+’s broadcast of the game, “one or two” Redbirds fans were ejected after the incident.

A routine 64–58 Norfolk State win over Illinois State in Normal, Ill. Saturday was allegedly marred by racial slurs—touching off an altercation between the two teams’ coaches.

According to ESPN+’s broadcast of the game and a postgame tweet from Spartans coach Robert Jones, “one or two” Redbirds fans directed the n-word toward Norfolk State guard Jamarii Thomas.

Video from ESPN+ captured the lengthy altercation, which culminated in Jones and Illinois State coach Ryan Pedon screaming at each other near the scorer’s table.

Officials ejected the fans and issued technical fouls to both Jones and Pedon.

After the game, Jones quote-tweeted video of the incident from Michael Sauls of the Virginian-Pilot, writing, “I’m not letting anybody call my players a racial slur. Those are my kids and I will fight for them. We have come too far in society to be called the N word at [a] college basketball game.”

Ok here’s the video from the altercation between Norfolk State and Illinois State.

Broadcast said “one or two” Illinois State fans made comments of the “racial nature” towards NSU’s Jamarii Thomas.

Fans were ejected and both head coaches got technical fouls. pic.twitter.com/3RgCIPqXRJ

— Michael Sauls (@mcsauls) December 10, 2023

I’m not letting anybody call my players a racial slur . Those are my kids and I will fight for them. We have come too far in society to be called the N word at college basketball game. https://t.co/hoyJ9VfSAx

— Robert Jones (@NSUCoachJones) December 10, 2023

Norfolk State is an HBCU, while Illinois State is a predominantly white institution. Neither university has commented on Saturday's events.

“I was upset he was on the floor and I was raising hell with the referees. It was never personal towards him. I’ll just leave it at that. I’ll take the high road on that,” Pedon said postgame of the altercation—seemingly declining to apologize for his actions.

Thomas wound up with 31 points, six rebounds and four assists in his team's victory.