A recent incident involving a B.C.-born NCAA basketball player, Fardaws Aimaq, has sparked controversy after he confronted a fan who allegedly called him a ‘terrorist’. The incident took place following Cal’s loss to UTEP at the SoCal Challenge in San Juan Capistrano, Calif. Fardaws Aimaq, who hails from Richmond and plays at UC Berkeley, was reported to have been subjected to offensive comments from a fan, including being labelled a ‘terrorist’. Head coach Mark Madsen expressed his dismay over the incident, stating that he was disturbed by the alleged verbal abuse directed at Aimaq, although he expressed disappointment with Aimaq’s decision to confront the fan in the stands.
A video posted on social media captured the moment Aimaq approached the fan in the bleachers, initiating a brief exchange. Aimaq, a six-foot-11 forward who graduated from Steveston-London Secondary in Richmond, is of Afghan descent and his parents sought refuge in Canada, adds to the significance of the incident. In response, Coach Madsen has called for an investigation into the incident by the tournament director and has requested a ban on the fan from the premises. He also stated that any consequences facing Aimaq will be handled internally within the team.
Aimaq’s agent, Daniel Poneman, took to social media to defend his client, emphasizing Aimaq’s respectful nature and expressing frustration over the lack of attention to the root cause of the issue. Additionally, the 24-year-old forward’s agent highlighted that Aimaq has been a target of similar taunts in the past, shedding light on the frequency of such abuse. Furthermore, Aimaq’s on-court performance has been noteworthy, with 23 points and 14 rebounds in Cal’s recent match against Tulane.
Teammate Jalen Cone also voiced his support for Aimaq, condemning the derogatory remarks directed at him and commending Aimaq’s ability to perform under pressure. The incident not only highlights the challenges faced by Aimaq but also sheds light on the broader issue of verbal abuse and discrimination in sports. It underscores the importance of addressing such misconduct and creating a more inclusive and respectful environment within sports communities.