Colorado State issues apology for offensive chant directed at Utah State basketball player

Colorado State University issued an apology for a small group of people who chanted "Russia" at Max Shulga, a Utah State basketball player from Ukraine.

Shulga, native of Kyiv, Ukraine, was attempting free throws near the end of Utah State's 88-79 win over the Rams at Moby Arena when a handful of fans chanted at him. Shulga has said he accepts the apology from Colorado State.

While the chant wasn't audible throughout the whole arena, it appeared to be picked up by microphones on the CBS Sports Network broadcast. Utah State reported the incident to the Mountain West, according to KSL.com in Utah. Attendance was announced at 6,018.

Colorado State released the following statement Saturday night:

"Following tonight’s game, we became aware that a small group of individuals in our student section chanted 'Russia' at a student-athlete from Utah State, who is from the Ukraine. Ukraine is in an ongoing war with Russia.

"On behalf of Colorado State, we apologize to the student-athlete and Utah State. This is a violation of our steadfast belief in the Mountain West Sportsmanship Policy and University Principles of Community. Every participant, student, and fan should be welcome in our venues, and for something like this to have occurred is unacceptable at Colorado State."

CSU coach Niko Medved on Twitter said "I have so much respect for @USUBasketball and Max Shulga. We have amazing fans and students but this is not acceptable! My sincere apologies."

'Fight Like a Ram':Cancer patients find solace in each other, relish sharing CSU's 'Fight Like a Ram' game

Shulga released a statement Sunday afternoon that read, in part, "First, I would like to thank the Colorado State administration and Coach Medved for their immediate support and understanding following the disappointing events during last nights game...

"As for the chants last night, while extremely upsetting in the moment, I also know how emotions can run high during competition and people can and do say things they do not really mean. Colorado State and its fans have apologized and I accept and appreciate the apology."

Utah State's athletic department released a statement Sunday:

"Utah State University and its athletics department fully supports Max Shulga, and his family, who reside in Ukraine. The incident that occurred during our men's basketball game at Colorado State last night was inappropriate and unacceptable. We appreciate the Colorado State administration and basketball staff for not condoning such behavior."

Follow sports reporter Kevin Lytle on Twitter and Instagram @Kevin_Lytle.

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Colorado State apologizes for 'Russia' chant directed at Max Shulga of Utah State