New details released on Bennedict Mathurin incident with TCU dance team member

While leaving the court Sunday after Arizona defeated TCU, Bennedict Mathurin appeared to touch a TCU dance team member. Ahead of the Wildcats’ Sweet 16 game against Houston Thursday night, TBS’ Allie LaForce had an update on the situation.

Wednesday, Arizona released a statement saying it reached out to TCU to apologize. Mathurin said he also reached out to apologize, and LaForce said TCU received the apology. The dance team member hasn’t spoken publicly about the situation and is remaining anonymous, LaForce reported.

“Unfortunately, the Wildcats face a bit of controversy heading into tonight’s game,” LaForce said. “Guard Bennedict Mathurin appeared to touch a member of the TCU dance team as he exited Sunday’s second-round game. The Arizona Wildcats made a statement [Wednesday] saying they reached out to TCU and while Mathurin says that he does not recall making contact, he did reach out and attempt to apologize. I confirmed with TCU moments ago that they did receive the apology.

“But the member of the dance team has chosen to remain anonymous. She has not made a public statement and she wants her privacy to be respected. While she doesn’t want this to be controversy, unfortunately it’s become a big topic of conversation and a distraction heading into tonight’s game.”

Bennedict Mathurin comments on possible inappropriate contact with TCU dance member

Arizona’s leading scorer Bennedict Mathurin is in hot water after the Wildcats’ Round of 32 victory against TCU, where he appeared to touch a Horned Frogs dance team member on his way off the court. The video went viral that night and fans shared their reactions, and Mathurin has since apologized.

“We actually sent an email and reached out to the to the cheerleader and sent through the TCU athletic department reached out to her and that is it,” Mathurin said in a press conference Wednesday.

Wednesday, Arizona athletic director Dave Heeke said Mathurin didn’t recall making any contact with the dancer, but still apologized.

“Shortly after returning to Tucson, I was notified that people on social media were claiming a video clip showed Bennedict Mathurin may have made physical contact with a TCU student while walking off the court. I have reached out to TCU’s Athletics Department and I spoke with Bennedict,” Heeke said. “While he does not recall any contact, he has attempted to reach out to the TCU student through their Athletic Department to apologize.”