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Hollis Price: victim of a racist attack

November 26, 2007

We got reports from Lithuania today about a racist attack on the US-born PG of Lietuvos Rytas this Friday in Vilnius. The news has only been released this afternoon though.

Hollis Price, who is actually playing with the Lithuanians in the Euroleague has been attacked by skinheads in the streets of Vilnius. Friday night at about 10pm, Price has been thrown down by 3 "pseudopatriotic" guys but luckily some journalists and students that were around could interfere and stop the fight. However, one of the three skinheads tried to punch him more but the helpers could take control of the situation as two of three have run away.

This is really a dramatic incident, even if Price did not get hurt seriously as he could play the day after in a LKL game. He was reduced somehow as he only played 8 minutes during that game, even if this was also maybe the result of the domination of his team during that game.

However, the discussions are heating up in Lithuania as the Lietuvos Rytas team is know for having an "Ultras" fan club that is carrying flags with racist symbols. These "fans" are present to lots of away games of their team too. I won’t go any further in this discussion as I am not enough aware of their real status and beliefs.

But I hate really hearing about such stories and I wish all the best to Hollis Price and I want to thank those people that helped him in that situation.

Nov 26, 2007ballineurope
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This post was published on November 26, 2007
Monday cigarettesWhat's wrong with European MVP's?
Comments: 35
  1. Kerem
    17 years ago

    Forget racism in Lithuania, I think it’s happenin in Russia on the courts.. Daniel Ewing vs. Travis Hansen.. That don’t mean the news aren’t saddening though..

    ReplyCancel
  2. eljorje
    17 years ago

    What happened with Daniel Ewing and Travis Hansen?

    ReplyCancel
  3. caaprius
    17 years ago

    Keren, what’s the story about Ewing vs. Hansen?

    ReplyCancel
  4. Arkadios
    17 years ago

    Kerem the incident you are talking about is irrelative to racism. Both those players are American. They just got little nervous from the game tention. They were both fined by the Russian Basketball Federation and Ewing will be disqualified for 1 game.

    ReplyCancel
  5. Kerem
    17 years ago

    Oh ok, I read it somewhere and you know Hansen being a bit of a bitter bastard, I thought he might have said something racist to start off the fight, maybe the other way around.. You watch the game?

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  6. Meek
    17 years ago

    What happened between Travis Hansen and Daniel Ewing????

    ReplyCancel
  7. tsuss
    17 years ago

    Lithuania has been a bastion of Racism and Antisemitism for many years. Vilnius is marred by plaques commerating their Nazi past. They killed 60 percent of the population of the city and still live in the houses and eat of the dishes of their Jewish victims .
    It no suprise when ugly, vile, racist sentiment bubbles to the top.

    comment from Tobias: tsuss – We normally really do not censor comments but we think it is hard to judge a whole country in three sentences. If we would discuss things like that here it would not be a basketball related blog. So we hope you understand this move. Tobias

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  8. caaprius
    17 years ago

    tsuss, it’s not a place to throw around with accusations like that. Moderators, if possible, I would recommend to delete that post..

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  9. mdg4eva
    17 years ago

    I just wanted to say that Hollis Price is a talented young man with a winning attitude. It’s becoming more of a nuisance, now, overseas, with the fans showcasing racism in the stands. Why? I thought you were supposed to root for your team? Not target some of your players with hate and violence….It appears that the extremist are allowed to come to games and do that, which is not fair. I hope that this MAKES Hollis stronger, because he deserves better. Oh yeah one more note I can’t wait for the Olympics when USA kicks Lithuania’s ass. I hope it’s by 100 points.

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  10. Tobias
    17 years ago

    This has nothing to do with Lithuania or the people that live there.. You can find these kind of people in any country.

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  11. sterrapin
    17 years ago

    I watched Hollis Price when he played college ball at Oklahoma. To reply to mdg4eva, Price went though a lot of adversity in his young life before he entered college, so yes I would consider someone who takes strength and resolve from adversity. His resiliency is one of his greatest qualities off the court.

    And what the hell, he’s a damn good player.

    Here’s hoping that the perpetrators are caught, and that HP continues his season.

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  12. steve
    17 years ago

    what is evident from the videos and pictures is that the team lets these racists come to game and sport their colors and burn fireworks. I was going to go to a few of their games, but now i definitely wont.
    As far as racism goes in Lithuania, in 7 months here i have noticed people in small towns outside of Vilnius disliking those that speak Russian as their 1st language.

    ReplyCancel
  13. shavon
    17 years ago

    i just hope he can bounce back and continue to be a good player ( yes i know he wasnt hurt i’m talkin bout the experince of it all )

    ReplyCancel
  14. Max
    17 years ago

    I saw Vilnius “fans” at Strasbourg and Nancy last season. 12 persons with flag and attitude very ugly.
    Is it true that Vilius and Kaunas are the opposit (I mean Kaunas: very liberal and Vilnius: very conservative)?

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    • Lietuvos Rytas
      12 years ago

      “Rytas Ultras” fans wouldn’t do that to Hollis, we respected him. We have only a few skinheads, others just like fanatism and our legendary team. The diffrence between Kaunas and Vilnius fans, Kaunas fans are a bunch of fools, who can showoff only on the internet, they outnumber us 4 to 1, they are cowards who think that they can do anything in high numbers.. Vilnius fans are diffrent, they relay on team force, not backing down even one step, if you do, you’re not one of ours, courage agression and team spirit make Kaunas fans tremble and run away even when a 4 times smaller force of Rytas fans runs into their faces.

      ReplyCancel
  15. ...
    17 years ago

    It’s strange how people comment about the country they don’t know any single fact about it…

    ReplyCancel
  16. from Lithuania...with love
    17 years ago

    It’s such a shame this happened to Hollis in Vilnius. He’s a very good player and very important to Lietuvos Rytas. And yes, there are many racists in Rytas Ultras (not all of them, but some are really radical). However Ultras aren’t the face of Vilnius team, they are often hated by other fans. Anyway nobody knows if those skinheads has anything in common with basketball fans (their description is more similar to football fans). All in all it’s very pity to acknowledge that racism is still common in Lithuania 🙁

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  17. Jalil
    17 years ago

    My name is Jalil and I’m from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma….Hollis Price played ball at OU in Norman and I this young brother to know that I’m praying for him and that this matter (skinheads) can be resolved…..Quickly…

    Hang in there Hollis…..

    Jalil

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  18. Julius
    17 years ago

    Lithuania have nothing against America if u are black , asian or diferrent from lithuanian people they think that you could have somthing expensive.they are not racist they are huligans .evryone is a bit racist .even my I hate polish people.

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  19. lithuania
    17 years ago

    and the trouble is that there is a lot russia imigrants and in russia there are a lot of racist people.

    ReplyCancel
  20. russia
    17 years ago

    LONDON SUCKSSSS

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  21. tail jordan
    17 years ago

    almost i can said that there is very big recisim in lithuania not only for dark skin as well for germany,france people too . those skin heads suks police is not working on recisicm in lithuania because i am a part of the attack

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  22. Sandra
    17 years ago

    Lisen poeple, I’m a lithuanian, and i know wat racist means, but, no, I’m not a racist, ok, but nobody should be because its wrong, and also a very serious bad crime, i can prove that I’m a lithuanian, cause i know how to say this: Labas, zmones. so, now u know who I’am not a racist, a human being and a great lithuanian…… Bye

    ReplyCancel
  23. René
    17 years ago

    I am a black man living in Belgium.I have noticed how bad racism is over here.I have travelled to Lithuania in2006 and never was i once attacked.I have visited cities like Vilnius,Trakaj,Kaunas,Klaipeda,Panavizes,Druskinike,Palanga.Quite alot of cities.
    I remember even walking outside alone waiting for my Lithuanian girlfriend to pick me up.I am totally schocked by such a news.I hope Lithuania does not become racist like other western countries like Belgium,France,Germany,Italy,Spain,Austria,America.I believe the racism comes from the desire to copy the badside of other countries.I never viewed Lithuania as a racist country.I would like to ask anyone who is Lithuanian.I intened to visit Lithuania this summer shall i cancel my trip or shall i go and spend my vacation as planned?

    ReplyCancel
  24. Tobias
    17 years ago

    Rene, I am sorry to hear all that. Although I must tell you that this is a Basketball Blog only. We are not covering problems a minority in any country causes. I can promise any person – black, white, yellow and even the little green guys from another galaxy – there will always be a few people that act stupid, but none of the countries you mentioned has racial problems that you should not travel to this country.

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  25. Calvin
    17 years ago

    What happened is wrong, I’m going to be rooting for Hollis Price next year

    ReplyCancel
  26. Gabriele
    17 years ago

    I am Lithuanian and I live in Vilnius. Firstly, it is strange that some people say things that they really don’t know all facts…This story is so bad and make me feel so ashamed of that Lithuanian skinheads. This accident made a shame for all Lithuania, because we are part of Europe and we have to be tolerant for all people. Luckily, he wasn’t injured, but still… As Hollis said racism exists everywhere even in USA… We can’t do anything to stop some people from doing so wrong things. Talking about that fans… Not all fans are racists, maybe there are some, but the biggest part of the fans feel shame and are angry on that skinheads. Hollis is a very very important part of our team, he is honoured and respectable man here, in Vilnius. We love him as very smart, good player and very good person. I hope it will not happen any more…

    ReplyCancel
  27. RANJIT MANN
    17 years ago

    HI, IA,M AN INDIAN MAN LIVING IN THE UK, COULD SOMEONE KINDLY TELL ME IF I WERE TO VISIT LITHUANIA, WILL I FIND FRIENDLY. BECAUSE I VISITED THE UKRAINE AND FOUND IT TO BE VERY RACIST, ANY ADVICE WILL BE APPRECIATED.
    MANY THANKS R MANN

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  28. John Smidt
    16 years ago

    R Mann if you come to Lithuania you will probably experience a lot of racism at least as much as you did in the Ukraine.

    ReplyCancel
  29. backgammon
    16 years ago

    you are truly my inspiration. This article has given so much fuel to my soul i can’t explain you. I was very depressed due my failures but now i will fight every adversity, and “I am going to win”.

    ReplyCancel
  30. Teev
    16 years ago

    hollis price is the best basketball player in the world.

    ReplyCancel
  31. Greta77
    16 years ago

    Hi I am Lithuanian, but live in America, (my parents moved here)
    I have also of coarse visted my extended family in Lithuania many times.
    From my prespective, being that it is both from my Lithuanian heritage
    and American experiece, I must say, (that at least in who I view) that
    yes, there is some deep racism within the Lithuanian culture. Not only
    racism by Lithuanians in Lithuania, but also by Lithuanians living in America.
    Especially like in old rooted Lithuanian parts of America like South Boston.
    (Where my parents moved to). Although this being a mixture a Lithuanian beliefs
    and old school South Boston racism.

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  32. MJL
    16 years ago

    Seriously, If I knew who it was that attacked Hollis Price, I’d go find them and break their faces, and then I’d tatoo “OU” right in their foreheads. You don’t do that kind of crap to a person like him, he doesn’t disrespect anybody, and he’s a good person. I’m glad HP gets to make a living playing ball, but he’s too good to not be in the NBA. Hell, I’d take him on the OKC Thunder right now. Put him with Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, and Russell Westbrook and I guarantee you he makes those three guys into perennial All-Stars. Good luck Hollis. Keep it real…..Boomer Sooner!

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  33. Big Jake
    16 years ago

    MJL: A violent response only continues racism. Violence is not the answer. When these events occur, the player’s teammates & management to need speak out against racism, ethnic bias, etc. Anti-social behavior is usually based on fear, ignorance & intoxication. Education can reduce racism.

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  34. American ME
    16 years ago

    I travel to Europe (on average 2-4 times a year) on business.

    I have been to Lithuania. Did I experience any overt racism in my 3-4 days there? No. I’m American, I’m not black or white (I’m of Asian heritage).

    I actually saw Hollis and Lietuvos play last season (after the skinhead incident), though I didn’t know anything about it until today (January 26, 2009). I saw them play in Tartu (Estonia) against Rock. Excellent game, good competition, and a very good atmosphere (sold-out vocal crowd). Hollis didn’t play as much as I thought he would, but the biggest impression on me was Tartu’s cheerleading/spirit squad (among the sexiest I’ve ever seen… but that’s another story).

    I’m sorry that Mr. Price had to endure such crap. Very unfortunate. Racism belongs out of sports… that’s always been my strong opinion.

    I’ve been in Vilnius, Šiauliai and Panevėžys. I didn’t have any racist incidents, but then again, I didn’t run into any skinheads either. Same thing in the USA… I know the Klan is out there, but I haven’t run into them in my travels.

    Hollis is a well-known figure in Vilnius (an educated guess)… pretty high profile as the Lithuanians love their hoops. And I’m pretty sure during his tenure with Rytas, he was probably the best known black man in their local media. It’s unfortunate that he encountered such stupid, hate-filled people.

    He’s with Dynamo Moscow now and I’m sure there are quite a few racists (especially the American haters) there, hopefully he won’t have to endure any further ugly incidents. Nice thing in Moscow, teams usually provide a driver/quasi bodyguard in the contracts. Bad thing is that in the current world financial crisis, Dynamo might be the most-likely of the Moscau teams to experience financial trouble.

    This financial crisis is real… I heard that Rytas is on shaky financial footing too.

    Don’t be surprised if contract pay-scales take a 20-30% cut in all leagues across Europe. Players who are always seeking pay raises on new teams for the coming season, may be happy just to get offered a contract next season from their current team, at a slight pay cut.

    Again, like many people have stated, there are mean, hate-filled racists most everywhere in the world.

    ReplyCancel
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