An Appalachian State tennis player and now the program's coach has been suspended after allegations the player made racist and demeaning comments toward a North Carolina A&T player during a match on Sunday.
Appalachian State Athletics has suspended Coach Lake from all coaching duties effective immediately through the next four matches.
Doug Gillin, Director of Athletics said the suspension is based on the review of the incident that took place after the men's tennis match.
Gillin released a statement:
"Appalachian State Athletics is wholeheartedly dedicated to the university's commitment to diversity of thought, belief and community. Based on our review of the incident that took place after the men's tennis match on January 28, I am suspending Coach Lake from all coaching duties effective immediately through the next four matches. The conduct displayed on Sunday does not reflect the values of our tennis program, department and university."
NC A&T senior John Wilson IV posted a tweet alleging his singles opponent Spencer Brown told him 'at least I know my dad' along with other racist remarks. Wilson said the App State coach responded with 'we have a black guy on our team' and called out Brown.
Hey #NCAT this is Spencer brown, a tennis player at Appalachian state. During our match today, along with other racist comments, Spencer told me, “At least I know my dad.” Their coach responded by saying, “..we have a black guy on our team.”
— John Wilson IV (@jpheze) January 29, 2018
Black twitter, do ya thing. pic.twitter.com/ZRN61zCU2n
App State responded with a statement Monday morning, apologizing for Brown's behavior. The university said Brown has been suspended indefinitely.
Statement from App State Athletics: pic.twitter.com/pvDw3SveyV
— App State Athletics (@appstatesports) January 29, 2018
Around 10:30 Monday morning, Wilson tweeted he had yet to be contacted by ASU but was pleased to hear of Brown's suspension.
Update: Even though I have yet to be reached out personally from the administration of Appalachian State. The athletics program suspended Spencer indefinitely! Thank you all for the help, this is something I’ve always dealt with being a black tennis player. #NCAT pic.twitter.com/9MqHvTe6fR
— John Wilson IV (@jpheze) January 29, 2018
Brown is a freshman from Spartanburg, S.C.
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