PRINT THIS PAGE | E-MAIL THIS PAGE

Tuesday, March 31, 1998

North Carolina player now says there was no racial slur

By DENNE H. FREEMAN AP Sports Writer

SAN ANTONIO (AP) - North Carolina's Makhtar Ndiaye apologized today and withdrew his allegation that Utah's Britton Johnsen used a racial slur against him during the NCAA tournament semifinal game.

Ndiaye, however, maintained he did not spit in Johnsen's face during the Utes' 65-59 upset victory Saturday night that put them in tonight's championship game.

Johnsen accused Ndiaye of spitting on him and Ndiaye (pronounced Jigh) initially accused Johnsen of calling him a "nigger."

Sunday's San Antonio Express-News had quoted Ndiaye as saying: "Why don't you ask him about what he said to me? He has no right to use the N-word at me. He used it more than once, and I'm not sure that's the first time he's done it."

Reporters from two other newspapers said they also heard Ndiaye accuse Johnsen of using the racial slur.

In a statement released by North Carolina, Ndiaye said:

"I was very upset after our loss Saturday to Utah and said some things I should not have said. During the game, Britt Johnsen and I were doing some trash talking face to face, which was not right, but I did not spit on him nor did he use the N-word to me.

"I got upset in the locker room when some reporters were asking me about what we were saying to each other, and I let my emotions get away from me," he said. "I have sent Britt a letter of apology and wish him and the Utah team well tonight in the championship game.

"I am sorry that this has caused any distraction for Britt and his teammates as they prepare for tonight's game," he said.

Utah coach Rick Majerus was so sure Johnsen didn't use the slur he said he would resign if it turned out to be true.

"I stand by this boy's statement 100 percent," Majerus said.

In his own statement released by the university today, North Carolina coach Bill Guthridge said Ndiaye was "the most distraught of anyone on our team after the loss."

"He said some things after the game that were not appropriate and he is certainly sorry," Guthridge said. "I have placed a call to Rick Majerus and hope this matter is closed so that Utah can concentrate on its game tonight for the national championship."

Johnsen said that during the game Ndiaye "slapped me across the face and told me he was going to kick my (expletive)."

"The only words that came out of my mouth were I told him I'm 100 pounds lighter than you and I'm kicking your butt," Johnsen said. "Then he spit on me.

"I never called him the N-word. It's a joke that this is even happening. This is like blocking some of our success and happiness. This shouldn't even be an issue."