Georgia Southern University is tightening security in its student section for this weekend’s football game against Louisiana-Monroe, the Savannah Morning News reported.
This comes nearly two weeks after a member of the school’s baseball team allegedly threw a bottle at a Savannah State cheerleader.
“If we can put some more eyes down in that area, then it’s something we need to think about doing,” Georgia Southern Athletic Director Tom Kleinlein told the newspaper.
Pitcher Evan Challenger threw a bottle at the cheerleader during the Sept. 3 game, according to a report by the Georgia Southern Police Department. The incident sparked an investigation by school officials. Challenger could face disciplinary action from the school and the athletic association.
Alcohol may have been a factor in the incident, according to the report.
While the police report made no mention of racial slurs, Savannah State cheerleader Ma’Kyha Sims wrote on her Facebook page about the incident: “I can sit here and say as long as I’ve been cheering me and my cheer mates have never experienced racial discrimination until (Saturday). From bottles being thrown at us to being called all the unholy names! This may be the worst cheer experience ever!”
Savannah State is a historically black university located about an hour away from Georgia Southern. The cheerleader neglected to press charges, but according to the police report Challenger was asked to leave the stadium.
“When an incident like (this) comes about, it forces us to look at things differently,” Kleinlein said. “And we are. Our game-day environment for visiting fans is of utmost priority. In no way should the enthusiasm of our fans get to a point of demeaning or insulting people.”
Read more of the story here.
RELATED:
About the Author
