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'Almost a hate crime' | Full 911 call details alleged racist incident involving Utah women's basketball team

"It's gone from talking about basketball tournaments to races," the caller said. "And they're afraid. They're afraid. And I am not being dramatic."

COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho — The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office released the 911 call audio following the alleged racial abuse in downtown Coeur d'Alene last week.

The Utah women's basketball team claim they faced racial abuse while staying in Coeur d'Alene for the NCAA Tournament. The incident prompted the team to move hotels. 

As the Coeur d'Alene Police Department investigates the incident, KREM 2 obtained copies of the 911 call reporting the incident. A police report also obtained by KREM 2 revealed that a "main financial donor" for the Utah women’s basketball team made the call to police.

In the first call, he left a message. In the second, he described to dispatch what happened that petrified the team.

You can listen to the full 911 call using the player below:

Gonzaga University women's basketball coach Lisa Fortier mentioned the incident in a press conference Thursday afternoon. Fortier said this was an unfortunate, but unusual event, since the men's teams were here as well. She said it was awful and hopes next time the team will be able to stay in Spokane. 

The Coeur d’Alene Police Department continues to investigate what happened that night on the streets of downtown Coeur d’Alene. Investigators are actively looking for video. 

If you saw what happened or have video of the incident, you’re urged to call the department.

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