Norfolk State star guard Jamarii Thomas responds to an internet troll following an altercation with Illinois State fans who called him a racial slur. Thomas quote-tweeted a troll response in the comment section of his mother's post.

โ€œThis how PWI fans really feel bout they African American players,โ€ Thomas wrote.

Thomas informed head coach Robert Jones that a fan was hurling racial slurs at him, according to the Virginia Pilot's Michael Sauls. Jones tried to confront the fan, but Illinois State head coach Ryan Pedone intercepted him. The argument escalated as both coaches were assessed a technical foul and the fan was ejected.

Thomas' mother Aja came to her son's defense after the game.

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โ€œMy son @JamariiThomas is not a โ€œNโ€ word,โ€ she wrote. โ€œHe deserves everything coming his way. He worked for it. The hate. Adversities. Being overlooked. Been there, done that. God gave us @NSU_BBALL & we are going to embrace this blessing!!โ€

Despite the ordeal, the Norfolk State Spartans managed to come away with the win. Jones believed the altercation did not negatively affect the team as they closed out the 64-58 victory. However, he was obviously discouraged by the situation.

โ€œWe were all disappointed,โ€ Jones told the Pilot. โ€œThis is a college basketball game, no matter how someone feels or whatever it is we shouldnโ€™t face those racial slurs in a division one college basketball game in 2023. I mean, thatโ€™s ridiculous.โ€