Buzz Williams Addresses Hate After Jace Carter’s Online Harassment

DENVER — Coach Buzz Williams confirmed Friday that he has spoken with his team about the online hate and harassment faced by reserve guard Jace Carter. The discussion follows Carter’s revelation of receiving death threats and racial slurs on social media after the Aggies’ first-round loss in the NCAA Tournament on Thursday.

During an interview with KBTX-TV in Bryan, Texas, Carter shared that he was targeted after a game where he struggled with free throws. “Been getting death threats, people calling me racial slurs, all types of stuff because I’m missing free throws, missing shots,” Carter said. “If you’re a little kid and not mentally strong, it can mess you up. But I feel like I try to approach it like a grown man.”

Despite the negativity directed at him, Carter remained focused on contributing to his team’s success, scoring 10 points in just nine minutes against Yale. “I’m just happy I could help us win,” he added. “It’s hard, especially when it’s coming from your own fan base… but at the end of the day, I’m comfortable with who I am as a man, who I am as a basketball player.”

Carter, a senior guard, previously played for Illinois-Chicago before transferring to Texas A&M. This season, he has averaged 3.9 points and 17 minutes on the court.

At his news conference, Williams emphasized the importance of navigating the challenges of online criticism. He stated that while he was unaware of Carter’s public comments about the harassment, he had discussed the issue with Carter, his family, and the team. “It’s become a topic that has been more prevalent than ever in my career. I didn’t know he said it, but I have spent more time with our players on their reaction to others than I ever have,” Williams said.

Williams expressed concern over the influence of public opinion on young athletes. “I want to make sure that what I do behind closed doors matters for their life. I want to ensure what I do publicly is appropriate, but not turn into an emotional diatribe,” he said. He noted that the discussion had occurred with multiple players within the program, reinforcing that Carter’s struggles are not isolated.

Reflecting on the culture of social media, Williams mentioned his decision to quit using it due to its toxic nature. “It’s just dangerous. I think when you’re 22 and you’ve grown up with a screen, you can’t tell ’em, ‘Don’t look.’ But you have to find ways to educate them on how to handle it,” he explained.

Williams added that the criticism from supposed supporters can hit hard. “I think the thing that bothers our group, and all groups, is when it’s coming from what they think are on the inside,” he said. “I think that’s where their heart posture changes, like, I thought they were cheering for us.”

The fourth-seeded Aggies (23-10) are set to face fifth-seeded Michigan (26-9) on Saturday in the second round of the South Region, as they look to advance in the tournament despite the challenges surrounding them.