Connell (Wash.) High School athletic director Stephen Pyeatt apologized via social media for the racist remarks made by Connell students during a girls' basketball game Saturday.
Students could be heard shouting "Brick it, Monkey" and making monkey sounds when student-athletes of color on the visiting Zillah High School team attempted shots. Video emerged that appeared to show little being done to stop the taunting, though Connell officials insisted that the students were confronted. That claim seemed to be backed up by one student who said it was this interaction with officials that helped them realize their actions were racist.
Connell (Wash.) High School athletic director Stephen Pyeatt apologized via social media for the racist remarks made by Connell students during a girls' basketball game Saturday.
Students could be heard shouting "Brick it, Monkey" and making monkey sounds when student-athletes of color on the visiting Zillah High School team attempted shots. Video emerged that appeared to show little being done to stop the taunting, though Connell officials insisted that the students were confronted. That claim seemed to be backed up by one student who said it was this interaction with officials that helped them realize their actions were racist.
Related: School District Investigation Racist Taunts at Girls' Game
As reported by NBC affiliate KHQ in Spokane, Pyeatt posted the following statement on Facebook:
"To the Zillah basketball players, to the coaches and fans, to the Zillah community,
I want to take this time to apologize for the racist actions that transpired while I was in charge of the girls basketball game on May 22, 2021. I know that what happened has caused an immense amount of pain to you as a player, coach, fan, family member, and community member, and I am deeply sorry. You did not deserve this in any way, and no one should ever have to be subjected to what happened. I am sorry."
The North Franklin School District announced in a release Monday that it was investigating the incident.
