Michigan State's Alan Haller re-issues apology for offensive scoreboard content, announces action
East Lansing, Mich. – Michigan State athletic director Alan Haller issued a follow-up statement of apology stemming from Saturday’s posting of an image of Adolf Hitler on the Spartan Stadium videoboard as part of pre-game video trivia content, 80 minutes prior to kickoff.
Haller also shed further information on how the mistake was made, stating that an Michigan State employee has been suspended with pay, pending further investigation.
“I am deeply sorry for the offensive image we displayed on the Spartan Stadium video boards Saturday night,” Haller said. “I apologize for the pain it has caused our community. Ultimately, it is my responsibility to make sure all those who interact with Spartan Athletics feel safe, valued and respected.
“The image was harmful to our communities, especially our Jewish community which is currently experiencing a rise in antisemitism, including acts of violence,” Haller said.
An image of Hitler was shown as part of a series of trivia questions as fans were filing into the stadium. Michigan State associate athletic director Matt Larson issued an initial statement soon after the video image appeared.
“We are deeply sorry for the content that was displayed, as this is not representative of our institutional values,” Larson said in a statement on Saturday evening. “MSU will not be using the third-party source going forward and will implement stronger screening and approval procedures for all videoboard content in the future.”
Haller expanded on actions taken at Michigan State on Sunday and accepted accountability.
“Michigan State Athletics is responsible for all content shown on its video boards,” he said. “Before it was displayed, the video was not viewed in its entirety by anyone in athletics, exposing a failure in our process. The video was not part of a sponsorship and had no affiliation with any of our corporate partners or our community.
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“An initial assessment was conducted, and an involved employee has been identified and suspended with pay pending the results of an investigation. The investigation will determine any future appropriate actions.
“Looking forward, Michigan State Athletics will ensure greater oversight and processes surrounding any material displayed in relation to one of our athletics events. We are committed to ensuring this never happens again and to better demonstrating the inclusive community that we are.
“I will be reaching out to local groups within the Jewish community as well as other student leadership groups on campus and within our department, each of whom has been impacted in their own way. It’s important they hear directly from me regarding our failed responsibilities as well as our promise to do better. It’s equally imperative that they are provided the opportunity to be heard.
“Antisemitism must be denounced. The image displayed prior to Saturday night’s game is not representative of who we are and the culture we embody. Nevertheless, we must own our failures and accept responsibility. I understand our response might be met with skepticism. That skepticism is warranted, and we will do all that is necessary to earn back your trust.”
