After investigating the allegation that fans used racial slurs during the Brigham Young University-Duke volleyball match on Aug. 26, BYU said it found no evidence to corroborate the incident, the university announced Friday.
BYU says it "reached out to more than 50 individuals who attended the event" as part of the investigation, and reviewed all available video and audio recordings.
"From our extensive review, we have not found any evidence to corroborate the allegation that fans engaged in racial heckling or uttered racial slurs at the event," the private university in Provo, Utah, said in a statement. "As we stated earlier, we would not tolerate any conduct that would make a student-athlete feel unsafe. That is the reason for our immediate response and our thorough investigation."
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As a result of the investigation, the university lifted the ban on the fan identified as a person who used racial slurs while heckling a Duke volleyball player. BYU also apologized to the fan for "any hardship the ban has caused."
A statement from BYU Athletics regarding the investigation of the Aug. 26 volleyball match, examining our fan behavior and response.https://t.co/Vj3HlW6xzV
The university continued their statement ensuring they were thorough during the investigation process and reiterated that if anyone has evidence contrary to their findings, they are invited to come forward.
"Despite being unable to find supporting evidence of racial slurs in the many recordings and interviews, we hope that all those involved will understand our sincere efforts to ensure that all student-athletes competing at BYU feel safe," said the university. "As stated by Athletics Director Tom Holmoe, BYU and BYU Athletics are committed to zero-tolerance of racism, and we strive to provide a positive experience for everyone who attends our athletic events, including student-athletes, coaches and fans, where they are valued and respected."
Holmoe told USA TODAY Sports last week that Duke officials were also trying to piece together the version of events.
Duke did not respond to multiple requests for comments on the status of its investigation.
"I heard a very strong, negative racial slur," Richardson said to ESPN in an interview. "So I served the ball, got through the play. And then the next time I went back to serve, I heard it extremely clear again, but that was the end of the game."
Holmoe spoke to Richardson and head volleyball coach Jolene Nagel the day after the incident. The university also apologized to Duke and Richardson.
Richardson, a 19-year-old from Ellicott City, Maryland, she said she spoke out and will continue to do so to create awareness.
"I believe God puts you in places at certain times, near certain people for specific reasons," Richardson said to ESPN. "... And I don't want BYU to be singled out or looked at as a bad institution because of this one thing . that doesn't represent the entire university of BYU."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: BYU says it has 'not found any evidence' that fans used racial slurs towards Duke player