Rasir Bolton, as you may recall, was a key player on Penn State’s 2018-19 squad as a true freshman, averaging nearly 12 points per game. This is why it was rather baffling when he decided during last offseason to hit the transfer portal, ultimately landing at Iowa State, where he would go on to enjoy another solid season in Ames.
This morning via Twitter and an article with Jesse Washington of The Undefeated, Bolton revealed precisely why he decided to leave PSU: Citing head coach Pat Chambers making a comment about a “noose” around his neck, a comment which Chambers admitted to making in a conversation with Bolton’s family and the Athletic Department office. Bolton goes on to mention that “Due to other interactions with Coach” he didn’t see this as a ‘slip of the tongue’ on Chambers’ part.
The full statement can be read below:
Why I chose to leave Penn State. pic.twitter.com/uszEPPJZPM
— (@rasir_9) July 6, 2020
The sports website The Undefeated just released a lengthy post about Chambers’ comment and a larger problem with college basketball as a whole about how it is dominated by white coaches who lack awareness of the struggles that young black men go through in this country. The story brings further context to the ‘noose’ comment as it mentions how Chambers told Bolton the day after he had a rough game in a loss to Wisconsin: “I want to loosen the noose that’s around your neck.”
As far as other current or former players responding to this development: Thus far, Lamar Stevens has stated on Twitter that he would like to be interviewed, while Josh Reaves spoke to David Jones confirming the original story. Given that this is a developing situation, we will have further updates as they come out.
Update:
Pat Chambers and Sandy Barbour have released the following statements on the matter:
— Patrick Chambers (@Coach_Chambers) July 6, 2020
Statement from VP for Intercollegiate Athletics Sandy Barbour: pic.twitter.com/cUfrKyYRo3
— Penn State Athletics (@GoPSUsports) July 6, 2020