Ex-Penn State men’s basketball player says coach Pat Chambers’ ‘noose’ comment led to transfer
Former Penn State men’s basketball player Rasir Bolton says he left the program after the 2019 season because coach Pat Chambers made a comment about a “noose” around his neck.
As described in a lengthy tweet posted Monday, Bolton said Chambers told him he wanted to “loosen the noose” around Bolton’s neck and relieve the pressure placed on him. The incident occurred in January 2019, just four days after Chambers shoved then-freshman guard Myles Dread during a timeout, according to Jesse Washington of The Undefeated.
The Penn State head coach acknowledged the incident on Twitter Monday and apologized for making the statement.
“I’ve realized the pain my words and ignorance caused Rasir Bolton and his family and I apologize to Rasir and the Bolton family for what I said,” the statement read. “I failed to comprehend the experiences of others, and the reference I made was hurtful, insensitive, and unacceptable. I cannot apologize enough for what I said, and I will carry that forever.”
The Bolton family reached out to Penn State athletic director Sandy Barbour after Chambers shoved Dread and did so again as soon as they were informed about the noose comment. They then met with the coach about the incident.
Barbour released a statement saying Chambers must learn from his past and cited his statement on how he can change for the future.
“Our black community of students, faculty, and staff must have the opportunity to feel safe, respected, and welcome at Penn State, and clearly our past actions and words have not always contributed positively to that goal,” Barbour said in the statement. “It is our obligation to embrace all in our community regardless of differences — the color of their skin, their ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or gender should not matter.”
Chambers’ apology comes after the Bolton family says he initially failed to apologize in that meeting, although Chambers says he did.
He was not required to undergo any diversity or cultural competency training, while Bolton was referred to Penn State’s sports psychologist who advised Bolton to learn how to deal with Chambers’ personality type, according to The Undefeated.
Bolton announced his decision to transfer in April 2019 and now plays at Iowa State.
This story was originally published July 6, 2020 at 12:48 PM.
