On Monday evening, Michigan State hockey senior Jagger Joshua released a statement on his Twitter where he claimed that an Ohio State player used a racial slur multiple times during MSU’s Nov. 11 match-up against the Buckeyes.
Acts of racism do not belong in hockey.. pic.twitter.com/nm9AnIjSgV
— Jagger Joshua (@jaggerjoshua8) November 21, 2022
According to Joshua, the official in the game had heard the slur and issued a game misconduct penalty to the player. Nathaniel Bott of the Lansing State Journal noted that one Ohio State player, Kamil Sadlocha, received a game misconduct penalty at the 10:39 mark in the second period of the aforementioned game.
“The inaction has left me feeling confused and pessimistic about the movement of diversity within hockey culture,” Joshua said in his statement. “The ignorance of racism does not belong in our game, and I feel that I need to make people aware that this incident occurred. Because without acknowledgement, the problem gets worse.”
Joshua said that the Big Ten conducted an investigation about the incident but no further action has been taken by the conference.
“Michigan State Athletics stands with Jagger Joshua, and commends him for having the courage to speak up against racial injustice,” MSU Athletics Director Alan Haller said in a statement Monday evening. “As a department, we are committed to providing opportunities for all student-athletes to compete in a space free from discrimination, racism or hate.”
Statements from Michigan State VP and Director of Athletics Alan Haller and hockey coach Adam Nightingale. pic.twitter.com/ajtmlCCscq
— Michigan State Athletics (@MSU_Athletics) November 21, 2022
“At Michigan State, we are committed to a safe and welcoming space for our student-athletes,” MSU hockey coach Adam Nightingale said. “It is important to me that all student athletes feel comfortable and supported in our locker room and in our program. I am proud to have Jagger Joshua on our team.”
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