PITTSBURGH (AP) — Southern Mississippi’s first NCAA tournament appearance in 21 years ended with a loss to Kansas State and an apology from the school’s president about chants by members of the school’s pep band.
Several members chanted “where’s your green card” at Kansas State guard Angel Rodriguez while he was at the free-throw line during the first half. Rodriguez, who is from Puerto Rico, had 13 points and four assists in Kansas State’s 70-64 victory.
University president Martha Saunders says in a statement that the school “deeply regrets” the remarks and apologized to Rodriguez.
Saunders says the remarks “do not represent the sentiments of our pep band, athletic department or university” and the school will take “quick and appropriate disciplinary action.”
