Kentucky fan apologizes for calling Tennessee fan N-word during loss
A Kentucky fan has issued an apology after being caught on video shouting a racial slur at a rival fan on Tuesday night.
The Wildcats blew a 17-point lead and lost at home to Tennessee on Tuesday. One Vols fan began recording videos towards the end of the game of Kentucky fans making their way out. He was jeering them as they were leaving, which led one female fan to turn to him and call him “n—er a–.”
The videos have been shared on social media and are uncensored, so please watch with that understanding.
Aye why was she soo mad to the point she had to use racial slurs? @KentuckyMBB @UKAthletics @espn This is what Kentucky stands for? pic.twitter.com/10BBaB7pub
— E. Willy™️ (@Ewilly27) March 4, 2020
Smh pic.twitter.com/lmtG68Ws5R
— kayla (@_kxy3) March 4, 2020
After the videos began to circulate, Lex 18 published a story about the matter. A woman named Ashley Lyles apparently reached out to them and said it was her in the videos. She then wrote a statement of apology.
“My reaction after the game was unacceptable, period. It was against all values of the University and state of Kentucky. I humbly apologize to the individuals at which my words were directed,” writes Lyles, “My words were hurtful and hateful and have no place in this world. I apologize to the University and state of Kentucky for the embarrassment I have caused. I want my apology not just to be in words, but in actions moving forward.”
According to The Athletic’s Kyle Tucker, Kentucky is determining the appropriate punishment for Lyles.
UK Athletics officials have located and reached out to the Tennessee fan who recorded a Kentucky fan yelling the N-word at him last night at Rupp. They’ve also determined the identity of the UK fan, who is not a season ticket holder, and are determining appropriate punishment.
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) March 4, 2020
Kentucky Sports Radio’s Matt Jones says Lyles is a recent brain cancer survivor.
