Ohio State Hockey Player Racial Slur
Recently, the Ohio State University men's hockey team has been in the news for all the wrong reasons. On February 29, 2020, the team was playing against the University of Michigan Wolverines when an Ohio State player used a racial slur towards a Michigan player, causing outrage among fans and players alike.
What Happened?
During the game, Ohio State defenseman, Drew Brevig, used a racial slur towards Michigan forward, Dario Bello. Bello immediately reported the incident to the referee, who then informed the Michigan coach, Mel Pearson. Pearson confronted the Ohio State coaching staff, and Brevig was ejected from the game. After the game, Pearson spoke out about the incident, calling it "disappointing" and "embarrassing."
The Aftermath
The incident caused an uproar among fans and players, both at the game and online. The Big Ten Conference, which oversees the hockey program at both schools, released a statement condemning the use of racial slurs and promising to investigate the incident. Ohio State also released a statement, apologizing for the incident and promising to take action to prevent it from happening again. The university has not released any information on what disciplinary action, if any, was taken against Brevig.
The Importance of Addressing Racial Slurs in Sports
This incident is just one of many instances of racial slurs being used in sports. It's a problem that has been around for decades, and one that needs to be addressed in order to make sports a more welcoming and inclusive place for everyone.
Racial slurs are not just offensive and hurtful, they can also have long-lasting psychological effects on those who are targeted. For young athletes who are just starting to explore their passions, being called a racial slur can be a traumatic experience that can turn them off from sports altogether. By addressing the issue head-on, we can create a more welcoming and supportive environment for athletes of all races and backgrounds.
What Can We Do?
So what can we do to address the use of racial slurs in sports? Here are a few steps we can take:
- Education and Awareness: We need to educate athletes, coaches, and fans about the harmful effects of racial slurs, and raise awareness about why they are never acceptable.
- Zero Tolerance Policies: Schools and sports organizations need to adopt zero tolerance policies towards the use of racial slurs, making it clear that such behavior will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
- Reporting: Athletes who witness or experience racial slurs should feel comfortable reporting the incident to their coaches or officials, without fear of retaliation.
- Consequences: Those who use racial slurs should face serious consequences, such as suspension or expulsion from the team or league, in order to send a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated.
The Bottom Line
The use of racial slurs in sports is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. It's up to everyone involved in sports, from athletes to coaches to fans, to take a stand against this type of behavior and create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all.