Eastern’s athletic department released a statement Friday following Thursday’s men’s basketball game against Lindenwood when guard Kinyon Hodges attempted to slap a fan during the game.

The incident occurred within the first half of the game. Hodges was issued a technical foul, but was allowed to continue playing in the game.

Based on video from the game, it is unclear at this time if Hodges managed to make contact with the fan or if the fan was able to dodge out of the way.

It is unknown why Hodges attempted to hit the fan at this time.

Marty Simmons, the men’s basketball coach, said Hodges was “very sorry” for his actions.

“I spoke with the young man this morning and he is extremely sorry for his actions at last night’s basketball game,” Simmons said. “This is not in the character of this young man. Even though he did not make physical contact with the fan, he understands the seriousness of this and regrets that his actions have negatively impacted the view of not only himself but the Eastern Illinois program.”

Tom Michael, the director of athletics, said the situation would be handled internally, and Eastern does not condone this type of behavior.

“We are aware of the incident that occurred during the first half of our men’s basketball game at Lindenwood last night,” Michael said. “As an athletic department, Eastern Illinois prides itself on good sportsmanship. We do not condone this type of behavior by our men’s basketball team or any of our 500 student-athletes. The issue has been addressed with both the player involved for EIU as well as the Ohio Valley Conference with any disciplinary action to be handled internally.” 

Michael said Hodges let his emotions get the best of him during the game.

“The player in question understands that this is not the type of behavior displayed by our student-athletes or our men’s basketball program and in the heat of the moment let emotions get the best of him,” Michael said. “This will be a learning moment moving forward, and we apologize to anyone that may have been adversely impacted by the incident.”

Hodges has not publicly commented at this time.

Madelyn Kidd can be reached at 581-2812 or at DENeic@gmail.com.