In a statement released today, Michigan State University Vice President and Director of Athletics, Alan Haller, has expressed deep remorse for an offensive image that was displayed on the Spartan Stadium video boards during Saturday night's game. Haller extended his heartfelt apologies to the community, acknowledging the pain that it has caused and vowing to take immediate action to rectify the situation.

The image in question has been deemed harmful to various communities, particularly the Jewish community, which is currently facing a distressing increase in acts of antisemitism. Recognizing the sensitive nature of the issue, Haller emphasized the responsibility of Michigan State Athletics to ensure that all those who interact with Spartan Athletics are made to feel safe, valued, and respected.

Haller revealed that the displayed video was not viewed in its entirety by anyone in athletics, indicating a failure in the oversight and review process. Furthermore, he clarified that the video had no affiliation with any corporate partners or the broader community, as it was not part of any sponsorship arrangement.

Moving forward, a greater emphasis will be placed on oversight and the establishment of comprehensive processes to ensure that any displayed materials associated with athletics events meet the university's standards of inclusivity and respect. Michigan State Athletics is dedicated to preventing such incidents from happening again and to demonstrating the diverse and inclusive community it represents.

To engage directly with affected groups, Haller announced his intention to reach out to local organizations within the Jewish community, as well as various student leadership groups on campus and within the athletic department. This outreach will provide an opportunity for open dialogue, where Haller intends to address the failures in their responsibilities and outline their commitment to improvement.

Antisemitism was strongly denounced in Haller's statement. He emphasized that the offensive image displayed during Saturday night's game does not reflect the true identity and values of Michigan State Athletics. Acknowledging potential skepticism towards their response, Haller assured the community that they will take all necessary measures to regain their trust.

As Michigan State Athletics takes steps to address the issue at hand, they remain focused on fostering an environment of inclusivity and respect. The university's commitment to combatting antisemitism and ensuring the safety and well-being of all members of their community is unwavering.