In Response to Concerns Raised Regarding Thursday Morning’s Youth Nationals Commentary

USRowing would like to respond to a portion of yesterday's commentary hosted by Rowers Choice. In the wake of this commentary, we have received valuable feedback from members of our community who heard a racially derogatory word being used by one of the hosts.

We fully acknowledge that regardless of what was said, what matters is impact. People were left feeling hurt and unsafe -- that they did not have a place in the sport. This is antithetical to our mission. We have taken this issue seriously and have spent the last 24 hours investigating the audio and conducting interviews. We spoke with Zac Eberson (the Rowers Choice host) and other individuals involved in the recording, and we feel confident he did not use derogatory language. But, we recognize this doesn't erase the pain felt by our listeners.

USRowing holds ourselves and our partners to the highest standard and will never tolerate hate speech, racism, and any form of discrimination. Rowing in the U.S. is stronger because of its diversity, and we take the responsibility of making it a sport for everyone. We look forward to a successful, safe, and fast regatta for the young people racing here in Sarasota.