Jeff Orr, the Texas Tech fan who was shoved by Oklahoma State star Marcus Smart in the final seconds of a game on Saturday night, released a statement denying that he lobbed a racial slur at the sophomore guard.
Citing a member of the Oklahoma State basketball program, ESPN.com had reported on Sunday that Smart claimed Orr used a racial slur.
"I would like to take this opportunity to offer my sincere apologies to Marcus Smart, Oklahoma State, Tubby Smith and the Texas Tech Men's Basketball program," said the statement released on Sunday, via Texastech.com. "My actions last night were inappropriate and do not reflect myself or Texas Tech - a university I love dearly. I regret calling Mr. Smart a 'piece of crap' but I want to make it known that I did not use a racial slur of any kind. Additionally, I would like to offer my apologies to Texas Tech fans that have been embarrassed by the attention this incident has created."
Texas Tech also issued a statement, saying that "no one in the vicinity of Mr. Orr heard such a slur." The university added that Orr has "voluntarily agreed to not attend a Texas Tech home or away basketball game for the remainder of the season."
Mr. Orr has admitted to directing an inappropriate phrase toward Marcus Smart. Texas Tech has been able to verify that statement independently through video provided by Texas Tech Sports Broadcasting. At no point on the film can a racial slur be heard.
On Sunday, the Big 12 announced it would suspend Smart for three games.