College football player alleges racist abuse at Aurora University

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AURORA, Ill. — Football player Brook Williams says he left Aurora University after teammates allegedly subjected him to racist abuse.

Former Aurora University football player accuses teammates of racial abuse

The 18-year-old football player said he walked away from a $60,000 scholarship because of the harassment. He accused peers of mocking him with racist comments, including a joke about George Floyd. Floyd, a Black man, was killed by a white police officer in Minneapolis in 2020.

“They allegedly called me the N-word,” Williams told Fox 32 Chicago . “Then one of them said, ‘Don’t you guys sleep in trees?’”

Williams’ mother, Aisha, said she contacted the university’s president, vice president and coach daily. She accused officials of ignoring her repeated outreach.

Investigation

In the Fox 32 Chicago report, Aurora University launched an investigation after the accusation. Documents reviewed by the outlet allegedly showed two teammates created a hostile environment based on race.

The players were allegedly suspended and placed on probation. However, after an appeal, the school allegedly reduced the punishment.

Instead, the teammates allegedly completed racial sensitivity training and returned to play in January. Williams accused the university of failing to protect him.

By September, Williams withdrew from Aurora University. He alleged his coach stopped speaking to him and ignored his plays during film review.

“It hurt,” he said. “I worked hard for this.”

Brook Williams Path forward

Williams now works while hoping to transfer to another school and resume football in January.

Aurora University issued a statement to Fox 32. The school said it is “deeply committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive community where every student feels valued and supported.”

The university added that it takes harassment allegations “extremely seriously.”