Kentucky fan directs racial slur at Tennessee fan, issues apology

A UK fan has issued an apology after videos of her using a racial slur during Kentucky's loss to Tennessee began circulating Twitter Wednesday afternoon. Ashley Lyles, who came forward and identified herself after the video picked up thousands of likes and hundreds of comments on social media, directed the slur toward Ethan Williams, a Tennessee fan who caught the incident on video. UK is investigating the incident. The video was captured near the end of the Wildcats' game Tuesday evening, when Lyles was leaving the arena before then game officially ended. In the video, Williams can be heard laughing and asking Lyles why she is leaving the game early. That's when she responded with the racial slur. You can hear the offensive slur in the video below, posted by Williams. https://twitter.com/Ewilly27/status/1235055704123125760 Another young woman sitting nearby confirmed to LEX 18 that she took a second video of the same incident. https://twitter.com/_kxy3/status/1235060251390439425 Now, Lyles has issued an apology, according to a new report from LEX18 News. “My reaction after the game was unacceptable, period. It was against all values of the University and state of Kentucky. I humbly apologize to the individuals at which my words were directed," writes Lyles, "My words were hurtful and hateful and have no place in this world. I apologize to the University and state of Kentucky for the embarrassment I have caused. I want my apology not just to be in words, but in actions moving forward.” [LEX18 News]

**UPDATE**

UK Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart addressed the incident on Twitter, saying the "unacceptable behavior" displayed in the video has "no place at the University of Kentucky." In a series of tweets, Barnhart also said there will be consequences for Lyles' actions, and he has personally apologized to Williams for the "abusive and inexcusable language" he experienced during his time at Rupp Arena. https://twitter.com/UKMitchBarnhart/status/1235382375393243137 https://twitter.com/UKMitchBarnhart/status/1235382377217773568