UH coach’s son apologizes
for racial slur

UH regent's company can bid

Star-Bulletin staff

A claim of racial discrimination against the son of University of Hawaii basketball coach Riley Wallace has been partially settled with a public apology.

Robert Wallace published the apology to Eric White, an African-American basketball fan.

Wallace called White a "nigger" during a February 1995 basketball game between UH and the University of Utah.

Wallace was serving as the basketball team's manager and responded to heckling from White criticizing the elder Wallace's coaching.

"Rob Wallace apologizes for the language that he used and the distress that he caused Mr. White and his family," said Jeff Portnoy, Wallace's attorney.

The Hawaii Civil Rights Commission had upheld White's claim and awarded him $31,500.

The University of Hawaii was to pay $20,000 and a portion of a $10,000 fine against Wallace, but has appealed the matter.

Portnoy said that as part of the settlement, Wallace agreed to publish his apology in local newspapers.

"Mr. White accepts Rob Wallace's apology and wishes him the best for his future," Portnoy said.

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