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Jim Boone, head coach of the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith men’s basketball team, has been cleared of racial discrimination allegations, according to a report from 5 News Online. Boone had been accused of discrimination by former player Tyler Williams.
Williams, a 22-year-old senior was the team’s top returning scorer, claimed that he was kicked off of the team because he had dreadlocks.
Boone had denied the allegations and Arkansas-Fort Smith players had supported their coach. His attorney also claimed that Williams made the decision to leave the program after two players transferred into the UAFS program which would have cut into his playing time.
Now, after an internal investigation, University of Arkansas Fort Smith Chancellor, Dr. Terisa Riley issued a statement to say the school’s Equal Employment Opportunity officer did not find “substantial evidence” to support the allegations against Boone.
Dr. Riley discussed the decision in a letter addressed to the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith students and staff.
“I have been humbled by the outreach I have received from members of the Fort Smith community, local and state legislators, alumni, members of the NAACP, and UAFS students who voiced their opinions and concerns in incredibly meaningful ways,” the statement read. “Each person expressed confidence in the process which is used to collect and analyze information in order to come to a final conclusion. I am particularly grateful for the meetings I have had over the past week with the student athletes on our men’s basketball team and the leaders of the Black Student Association. I respect all of these students for their leadership and desire to improve the university.”
While Boone has been cleared, the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith athletic department will no longer be able to allow verbal or written policies regarding the hairstyle of any players.
As for what’s next for Tyler Williams, he decided to transfer to Southern Nazarene University in Oklahoma.
