Southern Miss president apologizes for 'Green Card' chant directed at K-State's Angel Rodriguez

PITTSBUGH - The president of Southern Mississippi has issued an apology after members of the school’s band were heard chanting “Where’s your green card?” to a Puerto Rican Kansas State player.

The chant could be heard during the teams’ NCAA tournament game on Thursday as Kansas State’s Angel Rodriguez was fouled during a layup and then during the subsequent free throws.

Southern Mississippi president Martha Saunders apologized for the remarks in a statement posted on the university’s website .

"We deeply regret the remarks made by a few students at today's game. The words of these individuals do not represent the sentiments of our pep band, athletic department or university,” Saunders said. “We apologize to Mr. Rodriguez and will take quick and appropriate disciplinary action against the students involved in this isolated incident."

Rodriguez, an American citizen who was born in Puero Rico and grew up in Miami, didn’t appear phased by the chants. He went on to score 13 points, including seven in the final minutes, to help the Wildcats to a 70-64 victory over Southern Miss.