COLUMBUS – Senior forward Kamil Sadlocha is currently not practicing or playing with the Ohio State hockey team he allegedly directed a racial slur at a Michigan State player multiple times during a game earlier this month.
Michigan State player Jagger Joshua, who is Black, shared his experience on social media from the Nov. 11 game in East Lansing in which the Spartans defeated the Buckeyes 4-3.
Jagger said an official in the game heard what the opposing player said, and gave him a game misconduct penalty. The box score that day shows Sadlocha was the only player given a game misconduct.
In a statement Tuesday night, Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith said Sadlocha “is returning home and will not practice or compete at this time.”
“No student or student-athlete should experience hatred or racism, and everyone should feel welcome,” Smith said. “I have spoken with Michigan State athletic director Alan Haller, and I’m thankful Jagger is getting the support he needs.”
Statement regarding Ohio State men’s hockey pic.twitter.com/AcDyZOpoBi
— Gene Smith (@OSU_AD) November 23, 2022
Smith added that the hockey team “will complete education on racial sensitivity, diversity, equity, inclusion and the use of respectful dialog.”
The Big Ten collected and evaluated information from the conference’s officiating crew, both schools and video footage and supported the in-game penalty on the Buckeyes, but decided against further punishment.
“Due to the absence of indisputable evidence presented to the conference, the conference has not imposed further disciplinary action,” the Big Ten said in a statement.
Joshua said he was motivated to publicly share his version of the events because racism in the sport will get worse if it is not acknowledged.
Ohio State said its athletic department and hockey program worked with the Big Ten to come to a resolution following the allegation of misconduct.
“Ohio State is focused on providing an inclusive and supportive environment for all,” the school said in a statement.