The University of Illinois said Saturday that it is investigating allegations of "inappropriate comments" that were made toward Purdue supporters after Boilermakers star Trey Kaufman-Renn said his 13-year-old brother was subjected to racist language and his family was "cussed out" by opposing fans during his team's 88-80 loss to the Fighting Illini in Champaign, Illinois, on Friday night.
After the game, Kaufman-Renn told reporters his family had been harassed at the State Farm Center during the game.
"Obviously, Illinois did a great job [Friday] versus us," Kaufman-Renn, a 6-foot-9 forward who had 29 points in the loss, said. "I was informed after the game, by my mom and my girlfriend, that there were some racist comments being made toward my brother, as well as my family being 'cussed out,' stuff like that. I just hope that the security, especially at Illinois, can be better."
Illinois then released a statement after the game condemning any derogatory language from fans that was directed toward Purdue and its supporters.
"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," the school said in a statement. "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."
On Saturday, a Purdue official said the school has "no comment" about Kaufman-Renn's allegations.
The Purdue star, who is averaging 19.7 PPG and contending for All-Big Ten honors, said he will always defend his family in those moments and asked the Big Ten to address any fan behavior in the league that crosses the line.
"I told [my brother] after the game, that's something that I will fight over," Kaufman-Renn said about the alleged racist comments made toward his family. "In no way is that saying anything about all of Illinois' fans but unfortunately, the students that participated in that. The fact that my brother can be put in that situation is really unbelievable. For a league like the Big Ten, they need to be better about that."