Marcus Smart has been suspended three games for pushing Texas Tech fan Jeff Orr in the final seconds of Oklahoma State's 65-61 loss to Texas Tech on Saturday night.
Smart committed a foul and fell into the first few rows of the stands before turning around and confronting Orr before shoving him. Several outlets reported that Smart had been targeted by racially insensitive language, but in a statement, Orr denied that claim, stating that he called Smart a "piece of crap." Orr agreed not to attend any Texas Tech games, home or away, for the rest of the season.
Texas Tech released a new video of the incident on Sunday afternoon that appears to pick up audio of Orr's comments.
"Texas Tech interviewed Mr. Orr along with numerous fans, photographers and arena personnel that were seated in the area surrounding him," the university said in a statement. "Mr. Orr vehemently denied the accusation that he used a racial slur and no one in the vicinity of Mr. Orr heard such a slur."
Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby is in Sochi, Russia, fulfilling duties as a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee, but released a statement on Sunday.
"Mr. Smart’s actions were a clear violation of the Big 12 Conference’s Sportsmanship and Ethical Conduct Policy," he said. "Such behavior has no place in athletics, and will not be tolerated," he said. "I appreciate the efforts of Oklahoma State University athletics director Mike Holder in addressing this matter, and believe this is an appropriate response to an inappropriate action."
Smart will miss Oklahoma State's games at Texas on Tuesday, at home against Oklahoma on Saturday and at Baylor on Feb. 17. He will make his return on Feb. 22 at home against Texas Tech.
Ford pleaded with Oklahoma State fans to accept Smart's apology.
"When he comes back, ready to go, he’s going to gain everybody’s trust who he lost. He’s going to try and prove himself every day," Ford said. "Marcus has my full support. Unwavering support, because I do know his heart and I know how he’s feeling right now."
