In a deeply troubling incident highlighting the darker side of sports fandom, Kansas Jayhawks guard Zeke Mayo became the target of racist and threatening messages following the team’s 78-73 home loss to No. 10 Texas Tech on March 1, 2025.
Mayo’s subpar performance in the game led to an outpouring of vitriolic abuse on social media, prompting responses from both the player and the university’s leadership.
Game Performance and Immediate Aftermath
Mayo, a first-year Jayhawk after three years at South Dakota State, struggled during the matchup, scoring only five points on 1-of-7 shooting, including an air balled potential game-tying three-pointer in the final seconds. Acknowledging his performance, Mayo took to social media, stating:
“I 100% deserve all the criticism in the world. My performance was beyond pitiful today, and has been for a while now.
I work my a– off every day to be great, but I can’t be perfect all the time. I’m sorry to our fans and my teammates; I will continue to get better.”
However, alongside his apology, Mayo shared screenshots of the abhorrent messages he received, which included racial slurs and threats to his safety.
University Leadership’s Response
The University of Kansas swiftly condemned the hateful messages directed at Mayo. Head coach Bill Self issued a statement emphasizing his support for Mayo and taking responsibility for the team’s performance:
“Any criticism about the team should be directed at me. I’m the head .”
Athletic director Travis Goff also expressed his dismay, highlighting that such behavior does not represent the Jayhawk community:
“These aren’t Jayhawks.. Driven by gambling and hate. They’ve — the Jayhawk family loves you .”
The Impact of Social Media Abuse on Athletes
This incident underscores the growing issue of online abuse targeting athletes, particularly in high-stakes environments where performance is closely scrutinized.
The anonymity of social media platforms often emboldens individuals to express harmful sentiments without facing direct consequences.
Zeke Mayo’s Role and Future with the Jayhawks
Despite the recent challenges, Mayo remains a pivotal player for the Jayhawks, averaging 14.0 points per game this season. His transition from South Dakota State to Kansas has been marked by both impressive performances and learning experiences.
The support from his coaches, teammates, and the broader university community will be crucial as he navigates this adversity.
Zeke Mayo’s Performance Against Texas Tech
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Points Scored | 5 |
| Field Goals | 1-of-7 |
| Three-Point FG | 0-of-5 |
| Minutes Played | 28 |
The reprehensible actions of a few individuals should not overshadow the collective support and respect that Zeke Mayo has earned as a member of the Kansas Jayhawks.
While criticism is an inherent aspect of sports, it is imperative that it remains constructive and free from hate. The university’s unified stance against such behavior serves as a reminder of the values that define true sportsmanship and community.