Jagger Joshua calls out Big Ten’s lack of action after being called a racial slur by Ohio State player

MSU forward Jagger Joshua skates during the Spartans’ 5-3 loss to Penn State on Feb. 25, 2022/ Photo Credit: Sarah Smith/WDBM

Luca Melloni, Sports Editorial Assistant
November 22, 2022

EAST LANSING – Michigan State hockey player Jagger Joshua addressed the media for the first time after announcing on social media that an Ohio State player called him a racial slur during the Nov. 11 game against the Buckeyes. 

The Big Ten responded to the allegations in a statement saying, “Due to the absence of indisputable evidence presented to the conference, the conference has not imposed further disciplinary action.”  

“I’m not too happy about the result with the Big Ten’s decision to not go further with action,” Joshua said. “I wouldn’t say it’s been a good two weeks for me.” 

Joshua said he cooperated with the Big Ten’s investigation.

Michigan State issued a statement regarding the situation on Nov. 21, right after Joshua posted his own statement. 

Joshua said the referee in the game heard what the opposing player said, and gave him a game misconduct penalty. 

“I never communicated once to the ref that he said something or something was said and he handled it on his own,” Joshua said. “What I told my coaching staff on the bench was that the ref heard it and reported it, so there was no gray area in terms of what was said or what was heard.” 

 

“Ohio State is focused on providing an inclusive and supportive environment for all,” OSU said in a statement. 

The box score shows Buckeye forward Kamil Sadlocha was the only player given a game misconduct. Sadlocha played a week later in Ohio State’s two-game series against Notre Dame.

“Him [the referee] taking action right away gave me confidence and the ability to come forward,” Joshua said. 

“That kind of behavior is unacceptable, and we’re standing by Jagger,” said MSU hockey forward Miroslav Mucha.

Joshua said on Tuesday that this was not the first time he has heard such abusive language on the ice. 

“Over the years, I’ve been the lone African American in locker rooms and it is something that I guess you get used to,” Joshua said. “I love hockey because it’s almost a  distraction and those things aren’t welcome on the ice.”