Social Justice
College football player alleges racist abuse at Aurora University
The 18-year-old football player said he walked away from a $60,000 scholarship because of the harassment.
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.”
Real stories. Real impact. Straight to your inbox. Join thousands others. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter today!
Follow us on Facebook, X, TikTok, Instagram
Memphis man sues city, police over photo taken of his deceased mother
Asbury Park High School: History Seminar
New Jersey police reach $4 million settlement with children of woman killed by ex-husband, a former police officer
Druski new parody mocking conservative women sparks debate
Detroit man convicted of sexually assaulting, killing teen found dead in prison 2 weeks after sentencing
Kendrick Johnson’s parents file $10B lawsuit against federal judges
GoFundMe launched after Alabama mother is fatally shot by husband hours after giving birth
Shaquille O’Neal pays for funeral costs for 12‑year‑old Jada West, Georgia officials say
Family demands justice after Baltimore County man dies after being punched by police officer in violent encounter
12‑year‑old Georgia girl dies after fight outside school bus, family says she was bullied
OWN greenlights first-ever ‘Belle Collective’ spinoff Belle Collective: Birmingham
Hazel Scott’s legacy returns to Harlem in free outdoor film screening
Olympic Gymnast Frederick Richard sets world record, raises $50K for Ugandan youth
Renee Ferguson, trailblazing investigative journalist, dies at 75
“AfroPoP Digital Shorts” returns to the land with “Sweet Samara,” climate and abolitionist film
-
Community2 weeks agoShaquille O’Neal pays for funeral costs for 12‑year‑old Jada West, Georgia officials say
-
Social Justice3 days agoNew Jersey police reach $4 million settlement with children of woman killed by ex-husband, a former police officer
-
Education1 week agoAsbury Park High School: Crossover event esports and history with Tina Watson
-
Social Justice4 days agoJury awards California woman $15 million after supervisor called her n-word
-
Culture2 weeks agoWu‑Tang Clan concert film to screen at The Pinhook as part of Wu‑Tang Wednesday Series
-
Social Justice7 days agoFamily pleads for Trump’s help bringing severely ill son home from Chinese prison
-
Crime & Justice4 days agoDetroit man convicted of sexually assaulting, killing teen found dead in prison 2 weeks after sentencing
-
Culture3 days agoDruski new parody mocking conservative women sparks debate
-
Social Justice2 weeks agoDOJ moves to dismiss criminal case against ex-officers charged for role in Breonna Taylor’s death
-
In Memoriam2 weeks agoIn Memoriam: Beloved Showtime at the Apollo co-host Kiki Shepard