Southern Miss green card chanters lose scholarships

Southern Mississippi investigated the incident swiftly after the live broadcast was circulated around the internet and YouTube. During the tournament game, Southern Miss fans could be heard screaming “Where’s your green card?” while Rodriguez shot from the free throw line.

The students’ voices were clear and audible on television. Hours after the game University of Southern Mississippi president Martha Saunders issued the following statement:

"We deeply regret the remarks made by a few students at today's game. The words of these individuals do not represent the sentiments of our pep band, athletic department or university. We apologize to Mr. Rodriguez and will take quick and appropriate disciplinary action against the students involved in this isolated incident."

As promised, Saunders had school officials spend the week investigating the incident, even during spring break. School officials met with the students to discuss their punishment before releasing details to press.

In addition to losing their place on the band, the five students have lost their scholarships. They must undergo counseling and must attend a two hour cultural sensitivity course as well.

Some say the reprimand is harsh, but the university was forced to respond because the incident was caught on CBS, transferred to videocam and then went viral. Southern Miss immediately reached out to Rodriguez and apologized to him.

Rodriguez said he accepted the school’s apology and had moved on. Southern Miss is being criticized by some for coming down so hard on the students. CNN reports that the students have been “contrite, cooperative and remorseful.”

The University’s dean of student affairs says the students were rash and inappropriate. He also said that they “see the gravity of their words and actions.” The dean also said the punishment was a “teachable moment” for those students and the entire student body.

Around the nation, Latino American basketball players have been given a hard time by students and fans in the bleachers and stands. In one high school incident, students chanted “USA” “USA” at Latino players. And after a complaint was issued, the school said the students chant “USA” at their ball games all of the time.

Kansas State player Rodriguez dismissed the chants as ignorance. Over the past two weeks, prominent politicians have made blunders about Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rican relationship to the U.S.

Presidential hopeful Rick Santorum went as far to suggest that Puerto Ricans should use English as their first language last week. He backpedaled some but it still isn’t clear whether or not Santorum is aware that Puerto Rico is an English speaking US territory.