Michigan State hockey player alleges his opponent used racial slurs – The Morning Sun

EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan State hockey player Jagger Joshua has alleged that an Ohio State opponent repeatedly addressed a racial slur to him during a game earlier this month.

Jagger, who is black, shared his experience on social media from the Nov. 11 home game in which the Spartans beat the Buckeyes 4-3.

Jagger said a match official overheard what the opposing player said and gave him a misconduct penalty. The box score that day shows Ohio State senior forward Kamil Sadlocha was the only player misconducted in the game.

The Big Ten collected and evaluated information from the conference refereeing team, schools and video footage and supported the penalty in play against the Buckeyes, but decided not to impose a new penalty.

“Due to the absence of compelling evidence presented to the conference, the conference has imposed no further disciplinary action,” the Big Ten said in a statement.

Joshua said he was motivated to share his version of events publicly because racism in sport will get worse if not acknowledged.

“Acts of racism have no place in hockey because they can discourage African Americans and minorities like me from playing and enjoying the game,” Joshua wrote in his post. “Inaction in the face of racist comments and actions allows these behaviors to continue.

“The inaction has left me perplexed and pessimistic about the diversity movement within hockey culture.”

Ohio State said its athletic department and hockey program worked with the Big Ten to reach a resolution following the misconduct allegation.

“Ohio State is focused on providing an inclusive and supportive environment for all,” the school said in a statement.

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Catherine J. Martinez