The Marble Falls Independent School District in Texas is investigating claims that racist noises were made toward an East Central High School basketball player during a game at Marble Falls High School on Friday.
The video below all but confirms it as it shows the student section making what appear to be monkey noises while Asia Prudhomme was on the free throw line.
“This is sad, heartbreaking and uncalled for. Can’t even play basketball without ignorance and racism in the stands,” Prudhomme wrote. “This really broke my heart, my coaches and teammates…Please share this out and help us punish those involved.”
The game was part of the Marble Falls Classic.
Marble Falls announced Monday an investigation is underway.
“Marble Falls School District has an unyielding commitment to love every child and inspire them to achieve their fullest potential, and this applies to children outside of our school district as well.”
“We will continue to work with administration at East Central High to fully investigate and hold students accountable for their actions.”
The statement continued … “Marble Falls ISD does not condone any form of discrimination, and we would like students at East Central to know they have our full support.”
The coaching staff was able to identify the noises later as they went through the game film. Head coach Vanessa Villarreal said they found three different incidents where you could hear the noises.
Prudhomme’s grandfather and one of the parents from the team were sitting on the side of the student section. They were able to hear the noises.
“One of the parents at that point went to let the administration know. When she did, she did see the administration address the kid,” Arriola said. “We don’t know what they said to them, they did not ask them to leave. Never escorted anyone out of there, but she did see them go toward the student section.”
The AD said the parent told her that the loud noises had stopped, but that she thought that they were still “underbreath, just not as loud.”
