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Penn State student section warned after alleged slurs towards Rutgers

By Zain Bando

Feb 26, 2023; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; A detailed view of the Team Ream t-shirts in memory of Penn State alumnus Brandon Ream, who passed away from cancer in 2013, prior to the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Bryce Jordan Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2023; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; A detailed view of the Team Ream t-shirts in memory of Penn State alumnus Brandon Ream, who passed away from cancer in 2013, prior to the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Bryce Jordan Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports /
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Amid a bubble watch, Penn State men’s basketball has another issue entering the Big Ten’s final week of play – slurs from the student section.

The Penn State (17-12, 8-10 Big Ten) men’s basketball team is still itching for an opportunity to continue its season into March. A 59-56 home loss to Rutgers (18-11, 10-8 Big Ten) Sunday night didn’t help its case, as numerous chances to tie the game late in regulation fell short.

To make matters worse, the Nittany Lions’ student section has been under fire for unsportsmanlike behavior, according to screenshots from the “Legion of Blue” GroupMe obtained by Noah Riffe.

“Penn State student section Legion of Blue issued a note to its members alleging slurs were used against Rutgers Men’s Basketball players,” Riffe wrote on Twitter Sunday night. “The note also shares they have been warned by the athletics department and police.”

The screenshots show student section leader and vice president Noah Odige addressing his thoughts on the alleged incident to fan group members.

“That being said, there were reports of a fan throwing fathead at one of the opposing players/coaches, and that is unacceptable; it is something that can not only get you banned from BJC but face police chargers as well,” Odige wrote in a message to the group.

Rutgers fans respond to alleged slurs used by Penn State student section

Subsequent messages from Odige relay the idea of good sportsmanship, including the omission of “f-bombs, n-words, and other slurs,” which Odige called “downright unacceptable.” If Penn State students keep this up, Odige also relayed that seats behind the benches will be “revoked” at future men’s basketball games.

According to a statement obtained by USA Today, a Rutgers fan who traveled to watch the Scarlet Knights in State College said that he didn’t hear any racial slurs, just a “stream of vulgarities” during the game.

At press time, the Penn State athletic department is investigating the incident further.

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