Oklahoma State’s Marcus Smart suspended three games
By Mike Dyce
The Big 12 Conference announced that Oklahoma State guard Marcus Smart would be suspended for three games in a statement released on Sunday. The suspension stems from an incident that involved Smart shoving a Texas Tech fan who allegedly used a racial slur.
From the Big 12’s website:
"The Big 12 Conference has announced that Oklahoma State University men’s basketball student-athlete Marcus Smart has been suspended three games for inappropriate conduct with a spectator in the closing seconds of the Cowboys’ February 8 game at Texas Tech.“Mr. Smart’s actions were a clear violation of the Big 12 Conference’s Sportsmanship and Ethical Conduct Policy,” said Commissioner Bob Bowlsby. “Such behavior has no place in athletics, and will not be tolerated. I appreciate the efforts of Oklahoma State University athletics director Mike Holder in addressing this matter, and believe this is an appropriate response to an inappropriate action.”Smart will begin serving his three-game suspension starting with the OSU game on Tuesday, February 11 at Texas. While suspended, he is prohibited from all team travel and game day activities through the Baylor game on Monday, February 17. During this period, Smart is allowed to practice and receive all related support incidental to his participation as a student-athlete."
From ESPN:
"Smart has claimed to Oklahoma State coaches that Orr called him a racial slur, a member of the basketball program confirmed to ESPN."
Smart reportedly felt remorseful after the game.
"After the game, Smart was “down and remorseful,” the team official told ESPN, claiming that the sophomore guard “got caught up in the moment.”"
"I love Marcus Smart for the person that he is. I know this is going to make him a better person." - Oklahoma St. Head Coach Travis Ford
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 9, 2014
The fan, Jeff Orr, claims he didn’t use a racial slur. Here is Orr’s complete statement, via CBS Sports:
“I would like to take this opportunity to offer my sincere apologies to Marcus Smart, Oklahoma State, Tubby Smith and the Texas Tech Men’s Basketball program. My actions last night were inappropriate and do not reflect myself or Texas Tech – a university I love dearly. I regret calling Mr. Smart a “piece of crap” but I want to make it known that I did not use a racial slur of any kind. Additionally, I would like to offer my apologies to Texas Tech fans that have been embarrassed by the attention this incident has created.”