Iowa State's Bolton accuses Penn State coach Chambers of racism

Iowa State guard Rasir Bolton leveled allegations of racism against his former coach, Penn State bench boss Patrick Chambers.

"A 'noose' around my neck is why I left Penn State," Bolton wrote in a tweet on Monday. "Head coach Patrick Chambers, the day after his one-game suspension in January 2019, in talking to me referenced a 'noose' around my neck. A noose; symbolic of lynching, defined as one of the most powerful symbols directed at African Americans invoking the history of lynching, slavery, and racial terrorism. Due to other interactions with coach, I knew this was no slip of the tongue."

Bolton said he reported the incident to his academic advisor, and both he and his parents spoke with the Penn State athletic director's office.

"During this time coach Chambers admitted to what he said," Bolton continued. "I was provided one meeting and a phone number to text with a psychologist. I was taught 'ways to deal with coach Chambers' personality type.' Coach Chambers never apologized, he said he was 'from the north and wasn't aware.'

"Subtle repercussions followed. Some teammates were told I couldn't be trusted and I was told the team didn't trust me; I wasn't 'all-in' or 'loyal.'"

He added that during his final meeting with Chambers in April 2019, the coach said he was "really impressed by how well-spoken and organized" Bolton's parents were.

Chambers issued a statement Monday, apologizing for the episode.

"I've realized the pain my words and ignorance caused Rasir Bolton and his family and I apologize to Rasir and the Bolton family for what I said," the coach tweeted. "I failed to comprehend the experiences of others, and the reference I made was hurtful, insensitive, and unacceptable. I cannot apologize enough for what I said, and I will carry that forever."

Bolton started nine of 32 games as a freshman for Penn State in 2018-19, averaging 11.6 points. He transferred to Iowa State last May, and the NCAA granted him an eligibility waiver to play immediately. He started all 30 games for the Cyclones this past season, averaging 14.7 points.

Chambers has coached Penn State since 2011.