Local News

Forensic investigation concludes a racial slur wasn’t shouted at Mansfield basketball game

Video taken at the Feb. 9 game appeared to capture a fan yelling out a racial slur while a player from Sharon High attempted a free throw shot.

March 1, 2024

2 minutes to read

A forensic audio expert concluded that a racial slur was not shouted during a Mansfield High School varsity boy’s basketball game, school officials announced Friday.

Superintendent Teresa Murphy said the school district hired a private firm to investigate after a video was circulated on social media that apparently caught a fan shouting a racial slur at the Feb. 9 game. The incident happened during a free throw shot by an opposing player from the Sharon team. Mansfield won that game 72 to 58.

Attorney Jeffrey Sankey led the independent investigation, which included interviews with school faculty and an analysis of audio and video of several basketball games. An additional forensic analysis of the video and audio tracks that were circulated, conducted by forensic audio expert Arlo West of Creative Forensic Services, concluded that no racial slur was spoken.

“Based on all this information, as corroborated by the scientific analysis of a forensic audio expert, I conclude that there is no credible evidence that the words heard at the basketball game were a racial slur,” Sankey said in a press release.

Murphy said the district has shared the findings with officials at Sharon Public Schools. A redacted version of the report, which is considered a public record, is available online.

“The Mansfield Public Schools treats reports of this nature with the utmost seriousness and concern. It is not only the obligation of the school to investigate this allegation, but it also reflects our commitment to provide all students, including visiting students, with an educational environment that is healthy, safe and supportive,” said Murphy, who was present at the game, along with various other school administrators. “I appreciate that this concern was brought to our attention. The allegations raised warranted a thorough outside review, and we accept the results of the investigation.”

Murphy added that the school district’s leadership team will be visible at future sporting events, as will its student section, the Nest.

“This has been a difficult moment for our school community and particularly for our students who are vocal during the games, so I am pleased that the outside investigator reached a clear and definitive conclusion,” said Murphy. “I look forward to the excitement of the student athletes on the court and hearing the loud cheers from the Nest as we begin the playoff season.”