The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
University investigating alleged slur
Baseball player under scrutiny for remarks about QB.
ATHENS — A Georgia baseball player is under investigation by the UGA Equal Opportunity Office for allegedly yell- ing racial slurs while watching the Bulldogs’ football game against Tennessee at Sanford Stadium on Saturday.
The alleged remarks, said to be in reference to quar- terback Justin Fields, were overheard by a group of students sitting nearby, who confronted him about using racially insensitive language.
After the exchange was brought to the attention of UGA Athletics administra- tors Monday, a full-blown investigation was launched. As of Tuesday evening, that investigation continued and is being considered as an anti-discrimination/anti-ha- rassment case. A UGA spokes- man confirmed the investigation remains ongoing and referred to statements made by UGA Athletics Director Greg McGarity and Georgia baseball coach Scott Strick- lin.
On Monday, UGA student Klarissa Gulebian, who told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution she witnessed the incident following the alleged racial remarks, took to social media with the complaint.
That initiated a firestorm of reaction from various indi- viduals, mostly students, who shared the post on other social media platforms. Eventually, it was brought to the attention of UGA athletic administrators, who launched an investigation.
After interviewing the player, who Gulebian identified as Adam Sasser, Strick- lin and other individuals allegedly involved, UGA Athletics turned over their find- ings to the EOO.
“While we are limited in what we can say about the incident at this time, I want to reemphasize that we do not condone discriminatory behavior,” McGarity said in a statement released upon request Monday. “The University’s Equal Opportunity Office thoroughly reviews all reported violations of our Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy to ensure an appropriate response.”
An internal memo was sent to UGA Athletic Associ- ation employees stating that administrators were “aware of an incident this weekend involving conduct by one of our student-athletes” but that they are “limited in what we can say.”
Sasser, a senior and one of Georgia’s top hitters last season, could not be reached for comment.
Football coach Kirby Smart was asked after the Bulldogs’ Tuesday practice whether he had addressed the alleged incident with his team.
“I really haven’t,” Smart said. Then he cast his eyes downward to the lectern, where he appeared to read from prepared statement. “If what I read and heard is true, it’s really unacceptable behavior that’s not who we are at Georgia. We’re trying to build a program on tolerance and mutual respect. You can’t control what other people say, but the expectation is that people that are part of our program and come to our games share the same beliefs that we do. It’s sad that something like this would happen.
“I’m disappointed. But it doesn’t affect our family, our unit here and our kids have been great. It’s not something I’ve had to address with them. I’ve addressed it with Justin. That’s the most important thing.”
Asked then how Fields reacted, Smart said, “Justin’s great.”
Gulebian told the AJC she was also the person who summoned police to the scene.
Gulebian was attending the game with her friends, Africa Buggs of Wisconsin and Sierra Buckner of Lawrence. Buggs is the one who brought the incident to the attention of McGarity and Stricklin. All three women were interviewed by EOO investigators Tuesday.
Gulebian made it clear she did not actually hear the remarks alleged to have been made by Sasser. She had walked up to the concourse to hear a phone call. She said she saw the confrontation unfold and rushed to intercede.
Gulebian said an officer, who was not a member of the UGA Police Department, took Sasser to the side and spoke to him for a short time. Sasser then returned to his seat and the officer spent the remainder of the game standing in the aisle watching Sasser and his friends with his back to the game.
A UGA official said that officer has not yet been identified and no incident reports were filed. Multiple police agencies staff Georgia home football games, which are attended by more than 92,000 when at capacity.
Sa s ser, a graduate of Greenbrier High in Evans, Ga., was part of last season’s Georgia team that earned an NCAA Tournament bid for the first time in five years. The 6-foot-4, 225-pounder batted .317 with 10 home runs and 44 RBIs.
“I expect every member of our team to behave at all times in a way that upholds the highest standards and values of the University of Georgia, and it is disappointing when that doesn’t happen,” Stricklin said in a statement released Monday. “While I cannot comment on this matter, we cooperate fully in any investigation involving an alleged violation of University policies.”