The radio positions were permanently moved to the new location before the 2021-22 season and replaced with more floor seating for fans. "And if I just accept that they fix something for me, in the moment, then I'm not doing anything to make it better for the next person." The lack of thought that was involved in that decision is kind of appalling," Donaldson said. "The fact that this is a setup that they had in the first place is really egregious. He went on to say that fixing the problem for him, in the moment, was not enough. And saying, we'll try to figure out somewhere else to put you."Īnd with it being so close to tip-off, Donaldson could not access the broadcast area leaving Rhode Island's play-by-play announcer to call the game alone. "It was kind of like they were looking over the arena. "When when they offered to make other arrangements, they didn't have a specific plan," he said. We will continue working with the University’s ADA office to evaluate and rectify the situation immediately.”ĭonaldson said while VCU offered to make other arrangements for him, it appeared they didn't have a set plan to do so. VCU Athletics has done extensive work throughout the last 10 years, and especially in the last 18 months since we restarted our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, to foster an environment of inclusion and belonging. I have a great deal of respect for the entire Rhode Island Department of Athletics and for the work that Shane does.Īccess and inclusion are central to our values, and we fell short last night. In both open and honest conversations, I apologized on behalf of VCU Athletics for causing undue emotional harm. I spoke with Shane Donaldson this morning, as well as Rhode Island’s Director of Athletics, Thorr Bjorn. We pride ourselves in delivering a first-class product across the board, and we did not meet those expectations. Once made aware of the situation, our facilities staff offered accommodations immediately, which the Rhode Island radio team chose not to accept. “We are aware of the incident involving Rhode Island’s radio team prior to Tuesday’s men’s basketball game.
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