Wisconsin Player Nigel Hayes Shares Offensive Email He Received From a Fan About His Hair

Shockingly, the same fan lavished praise on a white player's haircut.

Nigel Hayes during game agaisnt Northwestern.
USA Today Sports

Image via USA Today Sports/Amber Searls

Nigel Hayes during game agaisnt Northwestern.

This past November, Wisconsin Badgers forward Nigel Hayes posted a lengthy message on Twitter where he opened up about racial discrimination at his university after a fan was seen at a Badgers home football game against Nebraska wearing a Barack Obama mask with a noose tied around his neck. "Our experiences are not shielded by the 'W' we wear on our chest, our experiences are one in the same," Hayes wrote. "We are loved during competition, but then subjected to racial discrimination in our everyday lives too." 

After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a major in business finance, Hayes received an email from a fan who suggested that he change his hairstyle.

After congratulating Hayes on getting his degree, the fan's letter took a sharp left turn when she asked him, "What the heck crazy odd hairdo are you having on the top of your head??" She even recommended a specific place where Nigel could go to "get all cleaned-up with a nice haircut and side-bur trim and prof. appearance." 

Unsurprisingly, the same fan, Jennie from Sun Prairie, had nothing but positive things to say about a white player's haircut.

Many on social media rushed to defend Hayes and criticize Jennie. In fact, it seemed like even the school itself was throwing some shade at their Sun Prairie-based supporter with a tweet noting how good Hayes looked.

Send all complaints, compliments, and tips to sportstips@complex.com.

Latest in Sports