KGUN 9News

Actions

ASU player deletes tweet after claiming he heard fan use racial slur

Posted at 2:40 PM, Jan 13, 2017
and last updated 2017-01-13 23:33:08-05

Arizona State Sun Devils basketball player Torian Graham apologized after Thursday's game against the Wildcats for flipping off the student section before the game.

Graham was seen leaving the court after pre-game warmups and used the gesture, claiming he had heard a racial slur directed at him.fter the game, Graham sent out a now deleted tweet that read " I apologize for my actions, there was racial slurs said, and I didn't react the right way as I should.  My apologies to the ASU program."  He deleted the tweet early Friday.

Today, Arizona release the following statement about the incident: "We continue to look into the accusation made by Arizona State's Torian Graham.  At this time, we have not heard from anyone, including students, staff, and security in proximity of the incident, who can confirm Graham's claim.  While we can't say with certainty that it did not occur, we were told by people in that area that they did not hear words or language of that nature prior to, during and after the time of the incident as well as during the game.  We pride ourselves on sportsmanship, take these matters very seriously, and strive to deliver an appropriate environment for visiting teams and patrons."

Graham leads the Sun Devils with 18.1 points per game and transferred from Buffalo after Bobby Hurley accepted the head coaching position on Tempe prior to the 2015-16 season.

Despite the senior guards 18 points off the bench on Thursday, Airzona beat ASU easily, winning 91-75 for the Wildcats 10th straight win.