Spartan Sports
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NSU Basketball team receiving gift boxes from SGA. Photo By: Matt Patterson Creatives of Sparta
The NSU Basketball team received care packages from Norfolk State’s Student Government Association in response to the incident at Illinois State. They were gifted with the care packages after their win against Delaware State on February 3, 2023, in Echols Hall.
“I felt really appreciated,” NSU Standout Guard Christian Ings said. “I felt like the community really took their time to think about us and worry about the situation because we have a season to play so we couldn’t really be focused on it. I’m glad that they kept their eye and mind on it, and they wanted to make sure that we were okay.”
On December 9, 2023, the NSU basketball team played against Illinois State. Towards the end of the game, the Spartans heard racial slurs from the fans sitting court side, which led to a screaming match between the coaches and resulted in the fans being ejected from the game.
“Ever since Dec. 10, we never talked about it again,” NSU Basketball Head Coach Robert Jones said. “Such is life. The situation happened and it happens, and we can move forward from it. And we’re OK with moving forward from it and we want to just continue on working on getting a MEAC championship.”
Tiffanie Jones the founder of JCS Project, a company that focuses on encouraging HBCU students to attend and finish college, reached out to the SGA of NSU soon after the incident, wanting to partner with them to show support to the team.
NORFOLK STATE MENS BASKETBALL TEAM RECEIVES A GIFT FROM SGA
By: Alauna Marable
Captains Christian Ings and Tyrese Jenkins were gifted with NSU hats the founding year 1935 on it. The care packages included NSU jibbitz, capri suns, a lapel pin, pictures of the team, and snacks.
Also included was a written letter from Zay’Kori Jones:
“As the 59th Student Government Association President of Norfolk State University, I stand with each Spartan basketball player who courageously faced prejudice and racism during our game against Illinois State. Maya Angelou once said, ‘You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.’ Your resilience in the face of such adversity exemplifies the strength of Spartans. Remember, the heart of a Spartan beats with unwavering determination and unity. We are one, and together, we rise above bigotry, united in our pursuit of excellence. Your spirit on and off the court embodies our university’s resilience. Let this experience ignite our collective resolve to combat injustice and prejudice. Your courage inspires us all, and together, we will continue to soar above hatred and discrimination. We stand united as Spartans against injustice, knowing that our true victory lies in our unity and strength!”