Kentucky Bans Fan for Life After Aiming Racial Epithet at Tennessee Supporter

Tennessee's tremendous comeback win over Kentucky was marred by some ugly language being hurled at Volunteers fans near the end of the game.

Wildcats fan Ashley Lyles was caught on video using the N-word at a Volunteers fan in the waning moments of Tennessee's outstanding comeback. Kentucky has chosen to take immediate action against Lyles, permanently retaking her ticket privileges to Rupp Arena.

Kentucky has banned a fan from all future games after she directed the N-word at a Tennessee fan https://t.co/NPyfskYRca
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) March 5, 2020

Lyles was caught on video using the slur towards another Tennessee fan by Kentucky fan Ethan Williams, and she was swiftly dealt with by arena security.

"My reaction after the game was unacceptable," Lyles said. "It was against all values of the University and state of Kentucky. I humbly apologize to the individuals at which my words were directed."

While Lyles did offer an apology for her behavior, that won't bring her ticket privileges back.

We have permanently revoked ticket privileges for all UK Athletics events from the person who made the abusive remark at Tuesday night’s game, effective immediately. This misconduct is unacceptable, unwelcome at the University of Kentucky and not reflective of our values.
— Mitch Barnhart (@UKMitchBarnhart) March 5, 2020

It goes without saying that sort of behavior and language is completely unacceptable and has no place anywhere near the sport of college basketball. Credit to Kentucky for identifying the offender and banning her in such a short span of time.