CHAMPAIGN — Purdue star Trey Kaufman-Renn, who scored 29 points Friday in an 88-80 loss to Illinois, told reporters after the game there had been “some racist comments” made toward his 13-year-old brother in the State Farm Center stands. Kaufman-Renn also said profanity was directed at his family, including his mother and girlfriend, and attributed both to students in the famed “Orange Krush” fan section.
““I was informed after the game by my mom and my girlfriend that there were some racist comments being said toward my brother, as well as my family being cussed out, stuff like that,” Kaufman-Renn said. “I just hope the security, especially at Illinois, can be better. I told them after the game that that’s something I would fight [over]. In no way am I saying anything about all Illinois fans but, unfortunately, the students that participated.”
Illinois issued a statement, which read, “Late in tonight’s game, Illinois staff was made aware of allegations of inappropriate comments made by members of the Orange Krush toward Purdue players, coaches and fans. We received additional details after the game’s conclusion. We take such allegations seriously, and we will continue gathering information to determine appropriate action. In the meantime, we have been in touch with Purdue to apologize and express our disappointment.”