Contact: Scott Gunderson Rosa, (202) 833-6130
For Immediate Release: December 13, 2001
Washington, DC - The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) today is calling for the resignation of Denver Nuggets head coach Dan Issel. Issel shouted a racially explicit insult at an Hispanic fan after the team's loss to the Charlotte Hornets Tuesday night, saying, "Go drink another beer, you (expletive) Mexican piece of (expletive)."
The Nuggets organization suspended Issel for four games without pay, costing him $112,000 in salary. At a news conference yesterday, Issel apologized to Bobby Bowman, the fan he insulted, as well as to the Denver Nuggets organization, the people of Denver, and his family. However, he never apologized to the Hispanic community.
"After the comments he made on Tuesday, Mr. Issel does not deserve to be employed by the Denver Nuggets or hold any other position of influence," said Rick Dovalina, LULAC National President. "These type of remarks are extremely offensive and will not soon be forgotten. Among all of his apologies, he neglected to make any attempt to reconcile with the Hispanic community. Don't expect Hispanics to attend Denver Nuggets' games or support the organization as long as Dan Issel is part of it."
Denver Nuggets general manager Kiki Vandeweghe said yesterday that the $112,000 forfeited by Issel due to his suspension will be donated to the Denver Nuggets Community Relations Fund. LULAC is demanding that the entire $112,000 be donated directly to Hispanic community-based organizations in the Denver area.
"If they intend to put that money back into the community, it is only logical that they reach out to the community that has been injured by this whole situation," added Dovalina.
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization in the United States. LULAC advances the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, health, and civil rights of Hispanic Americans through community-based programs operating at more than 700 LULAC councils nationwide.