Sault Police says recent online comments that resulted in the postponement of the city boys basketball final does not meet the definition of a hate crime.
A report of the potentially hate-motivated online comment was sent to police on March 27. The senior and junior boys finals were scheduled for the following day and later rescheduled to April 11.
The comments were investigated by patrol services and investigation services, said a police news release sent Thursday.
"As a result of the investigation, it was determined the incident does not meet the threshold to be classified as a hate crime. No charges were laid," said the police in the release.
Sault Police spokesperson Lincoln Louttit confirmed the comments mentioned in the release are the same ones that resulted in the postponement of the games.
In a news release sent earlier this week, a spokesperson for the Algoma District School Board called the comments being investigated 'concerning.'
The original news release can be seen below:
On March 27, 2022, police received a complaint regarding potentially hate motivated comments made online by a youth.
Officers with Patrol Services and Investigation Services thoroughly investigated the complaint and the online comments. As a result of the investigation, it was determined the incident does not meet the threshold to be classified as a hate crime. No charges were laid.
We urge anyone experiencing racism or discrimination based on their ethnicity, sexual orientation or how they identify, to not be silent. In an emergency always call 911 immediately. If you have concerns or questions call our business line, 705-949-6300, and someone will talk with you about the situation.
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