Coeur d'Alene city attorneys have decided not to press charges against an 18-year-old suspected of hurling racial slurs at the University of Utah women's basketball team during the March Madness tournament held in Spokane. The suspect, identified as Anthony Myers, admitted to using derogatory language, including the N-word, with the intention of being "funny." However, prosecutors concluded that his actions, while racist and misogynistic, did not meet the threshold for criminal conduct under Idaho law.

The incident occurred on March 21 when the University of Utah team, along with other members of their athletic department, walked from their hotel to a nearby restaurant. Several witnesses reported that individuals inside multiple lifted pickups and a car yelled racial slurs, revving their engines as they passed the team. On their way back from dinner, the group encountered more offensive behavior, including the shouting of racial slurs and threats of sexual acts from a silver passenger car. The demeaning language forced the team to quicken their pace.

Despite footage capturing the silver car and several witnesses providing descriptions of the vehicles and the person shouting racial slurs, the investigation did not yield sufficient evidence to support charging Myers. Coeur d'Alene Mayor Jim Hammond expressed disappointment with the decision, emphasizing the importance of accountability and treating people with respect. However, the city attorneys explained that Myers' intent was to be funny rather than to specifically intimidate or harass anyone, making it difficult to pursue charges.

The University of Utah, who declined to comment on the matter, experienced the incident during their participation in the NCAA Tournament, but it only became publicized after their loss to Gonzaga University. The incident garnered national attention, sparking outrage and casting a negative spotlight on Coeur d'Alene.

While some community members expressed frustration over the lack of charges, Tony Stewart, a member of the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations, emphasized the importance of supporting the victims and denouncing derogatory behavior. Stewart commended the task force's efforts to address the incident and expressed solidarity with the affected players.

Coeur d'Alene city attorneys acknowledged the abhorrent nature of Myers' statements but stressed the need for adherence to legal standards and probable cause in pursuing charges. The decision not to prosecute reflects the delicate balance between free speech rights and combating hate speech.

Captain David Hagar of the Coeur d'Alene Police Department refrained from commenting on the charging decision, stating that the investigation speaks for itself.

As this incident highlights ongoing issues of discrimination and the powerful impact of words, organizations like the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations and Human Rights Spokane continue to advocate for justice and support victims of hate speech.

Local journalism remains vital in illuminating incidents like these and holding communities accountable.