University of Wisconsin officials investigating allegations of racial comment directed at transferring player Kobe King

MINNEAPOLIS — University of Wisconsin officials are investigating an allegation that a racial epithet was directed at Kobe King by a University of Wisconsin staffer.

The Journal Sentinel on Wednesday informed senior associate athletic director Justin Doherty, who oversees the men’s basketball program, it had learned of the allegations.

Doherty provided a statement to the Journal Sentinel during halftime of UW’s 70-51 Big Ten loss at Minnesota:

“UW athletics administration was made aware of an allegation Sunday afternoon and has already taken measures to address it,” Doherty said, reading the statement. “Anytime we are made of an allegation of any kind, it is handled with the utmost seriousness.

"There is absolutely no place in UW athletics for the type of behavior being alleged.”

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Doherty declined to offer any specifics.

Head coach Greg Gard also declined to offer any specifics.

"I know the university put out the statement so that’s what I’ll refer to," he said after the loss. "The statement is out. Where all that goes, we’ll walk through as we get there."

King, a redshirt sophomore from La Crosse Central High School in Wisconsin, announced recently he was leaving the program and planned to transfer.

"After talking with my family and friends I have decided that the best step for my future basketball aspirations, as well as my love for the game, is to immediately step away from the University of Wisconsin men’s basketball program," King wrote on his Instagram account. "This has been a very tough decision for me…however, after spending almost three years in the Wisconsin program I have realized that this program is not the right fit for me as a player and person."

King could use such a claim in an effort to be granted immediate eligibility by the NCAA after he transfers.

Quarterback Justin Fields transferred to Ohio State from Georgia before the start of the 2019 season and was granted immediate eligibility. He claimed a member of the Georgia baseball used racially derogatory comments.

Fields passed for 3,273 yards and 41 touchdowns and rushed for 484 yards and 10 touchdowns. He led the Buckeyes to the Big Ten title and into the College Football Playoff semifinals.