Elbows hover over racial allegations at Iowa college basketball game

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A tense high school basketball game this week ended abruptly after Iowa City school officials said a game official hurled a ‘racial’ slur at a black coach, an accusation which the referees’ organization denies ever having taken place.

Emotions were so high that after City High conceded the game to host Fairfield before it was over, the team was escorted out of town by the State Patrol.

The Iowa High School Athletic Association said it is aware of City High’s allegations and announced Wednesday it is investigating them, as well as a late-game altercation between players.

“We are still collecting information about the game from Fairfield and Iowa City High, as well as game officials,” said Chris Cuellar, IHSAA communications director. “As always, we will continue to communicate with those involved to learn more and work with our member schools to facilitate resolutions.”

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An email to teachers, parents and students on Tuesday from City High Principal John Bacon and Iowa City Community School District Superintendent Matt Degner addressed Monday night’s opener that ultimately ended with two minutes remaining after an on-field incident involving a City High and Fairfield player.

City High chose to avoid playing the final two minutes and decided to go home.

The email accused an official of making a racist comment earlier in the game to Little Hawks coach Brennan Swayzer. The coach was kicked out of the game.

“During the game, an official made a racist comment to our coach. The Iowa City Community School District never tolerates racism,” the email reads. “We stand with our students and staff of color. We also deal with an incident of physical assault and help our students learn better ways to handle a volatile situation.”

But match officials said they were the ones injured and denied the racial incident with the coach ever happened.

“It is concerning that the school district is releasing a statement accusing on-field officials of making racist comments without speaking to officials or the association first,” said a statement released by the Iowa City Athletic Officials Association. “Allegations like this deserve to be fully investigated by the appropriate governing bodies and we welcome such an investigation and our members will cooperate fully.

“We have spoken to the officials involved and they categorically deny making such statements. In fact, it is completely irrelevant to each of them, and they are shocked and hurt by the accusation.”

The association has been around since 1970 and helps provide officials for area football, basketball, baseball and softball games.

Swayzer was not present Tuesday night for the City High game at Linn-Mar. Neither did City High player Evan Lampe, who in a game video pushed a Fairfield player to the ground after a foul was called and then again while on the ground. The players cleared the benches to join in an altercation on the pitch before order was restored.

Principal Bacon and Coach Swayzer deferred additional comments to the Iowa City Community School District.

Frederick Newell, a City High assistant who was interim head coach on Tuesday, also declined to say much about the game.

“I don’t know, I don’t want to say any comment, and it’s more because I don’t want it to take away from the direction our team is going,” Newell said.

“It was a tough night,” he said. “I think if there were things we could do again, we absolutely would. But we can’t, so we’re moving forward.”

Newell did not specifically say whether he heard the alleged remark.

“It was crazy. That’s all I can say,” he said. “I can’t be specific at this point. I would just let them deal with what they need to do. But I’ll tell you, we’re on Coach Swayze’s side. Amazing man, amazing father, an amazing trainer. I’m going to ride with him the rest of the way.”

Fairfield Superintendent Laurie Noll released a statement on Wednesday noting that police were called to the school gymnasium but never entered, instead ensuring the City High crew could board the her bus safely home. An Iowa State Patrol trooper escorted the team bus out of town to make sure there was no trouble.

“FCSD is aware that the administration of Iowa City, City High School has contacted the Iowa High School Athletic Association regarding allegations regarding communication between game officials and City High basketball coaches. “, reads the press release. “FCSD is prepared to provide any information that may assist in an investigation.”

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