Southern Miss apologizes for band shouting racial slur at K-State player

Members of the Southern Mississippi band are facing disciplinary action after shouting an insensitive racial slur in a chant at Kansas State point guard Angel Rodriguez during the first half of the Golden Eagles' 70-64 East Region loss on Thursday.

The band was heard chanting "where's your green card?" at Rodriguez while he was at the free throw line.  The freshman is from Puerto Rico.



Southern Miss president Martha Saunders issued a statement after the game on the school's web site that said," We deeply regret the remarks made by a few students at today's game.

The words of these individuals do not represent the sentiments of our pep band, athletic department or university.  We apologize to Mr. Rodriguez and will take quick and appropriate disciplinary action against the students involved in this isolated incident."

Southern Miss interim Ad Jeff Hammond told the Clarion Ledger that he would take the band's director to meet with Rodriguez and K-State coach Frank Martin to apologize.