Dennis Schröder was subjected to racial abuse in a recent game for his national side during the FIBA EuroBasket tournament currently underway. Schröder, who is Germany’s captain, has led his team to the last 16 of the tournament. But it seems that racism is a consistent problem in sports, with similar incidents taking place in the English Premier League and even at the recent FIFA Euro 2025 tournament.
Schröder led his team to victory, despite the incident on the floor
Germany was leading heading into the halftime break, and when the players were making their way to the dressing rooms is when the incident took place. Reports state that when Schröder walked into the tunnel that heads into the dressing room, two fans were caught making monkey noises directed at the 32-year-old. Germany’s interim manager noticed and promptly reported to the game officials.
The two fans were quickly identified and promptly ejected from the game. One of whom was caught on camera and has been banned from attending any more games in the tournament. Schröder did not mince his words after the game and shared what most fans in the arena were thinking: that type of behavior is not welcome in basketball. Germany would go on to win the game 107-88.
Making monkey noises, that’s something I don’t respect. No matter what status, insults, that’s all fine. But racism simply doesn’t belong in this sport. That’s something that’s not OK.” – Dennis Schröder
Schröder is a veteran of the NBA and has seen it all in his career
Schröder is entering his 13th year in the NBA and has played for 10 different teams in that time. He has recently stated his disapproval over the way players are traded in the NBA, comparing it to modern-day slavery. Despite that stance, he was traded merely days after making that statement in a deal that saw Jimmy Butler make his way to Golden State.
“It’s modern slavery at the end of the day. Everybody can decide where you’re going, even if you have a contract. Yeah, of course, we make a lot of money and we can feed our families, but at the end of the day, if they say, ‘You’re not coming to work tomorrow, you’re going over there,’ they can decide that.” – Dennis Schröder
FIBA was quick to make a statement condemning the actions of the two fans in the game. They have even given the relevant information and footage over to the local authorities to pursue further action. The local officials will be looking to make an example of the two hooligans by swiftly dealing with the issue. Whether that makes a difference to Dennis Schröder is unknown at this point. With the new season only a few short months away, Schröder will be looking to the future.
“FIBA unequivocally condemns hate speech, discriminatory conduct, and racist language in any form,” the group said, via the AP. “Creating an inclusive, respectful and safe environment for players, teams and fans remains a fundamental priority of our sport. FIBA has provided the relevant footage and information to local law enforcement authorities, who are continuing to investigate the matter.” – FIBA Spokesperson
Schröder is looking forward to his first season with the Sacramento Kings
Schröder is looking forward to his new season with the Kings after he agreed to join the South California team. His contract is worth a reported $45 million over three years. Schröder will be hoping for a long and successful relationship with the Kings, as he has played for 9 different teams over the past 9 seasons in the NBA. For now, he is focused on the task at hand, much like another European star at the tournament. Germany has now won its first three games in the group phase of the competition, and the win against Lithuania clinched a spot in the EuroBasket Round of 16 in Riga, Latvia.
