Colorado State Apologizes For ‘Russia’ Chant Aimed At Utah State’s Ukrainian Player

Colorado State University is publicly apologizing after a group of students chanted “Russia” at Utah State guard Max Shulga, who is Ukrainian, during Saturday’s basketball game. 

The offensive chants came from the Colorado State student section as Shulga stepped to the free-throw line. 

“Following tonight’s basketball game, we became aware that a small group of individuals in our student section chanted “Russia” at a student-athlete from Utah State, who is from the Ukraine,” the school tweeted. “On behalf of Colorado State, we apologize to the student-athlete and Utah State. This is a violation of our steadfast belief in the Mountain West Sportsmanship Policy and University Principles of Community.”

On behalf of Colorado State, we apologize to the student-athlete and Utah State.  This is a violation of our steadfast belief in the Mountain West Sportsmanship Policy and University Principles of Community.

— Colorado State Rams 🐏 (@CSURams) February 5, 2023

In a follow-up tweet, Colorado State emphasized that everyone should feel welcome in any of the school’s venues. 

Despite the chants, Shulga, who is from Kyiv, went 3-for-4 at the free throw line in the game’s final minute, helping the Aggies beat Colorado State 88-79.

The university did not say if the students would face any punishment.

Russia invaded Ukraine almost one year ago, and Kyiv, where Shulga’s family members live, has been a significant target for Russia’s assault on the country.