Owatonna students accused of racist tweets toward Native American basketball star

Multiple Owatonna students allegedly sent a series of racist tweets about Red Wing senior Ty Buck after the Huskies' basketball team upset the Wingers on Tuesday night.

The tweets reference the Trail of Tears and the Squaw Creek Massacre. The Bucks are Native Americans and members of the Prairie Island Indian Community.

Buck is the Wingers' leading scorer and touted as one of the best basketball players in the state, though it's unclear what sparked the social media bullying against him. The tweets have been deleted.

The Owatonna Post Bulletin reported Rich Buck, Ty's father, and a Red Wing assistant basketball coach reported the issue to Red Wing Athletic Director Matt Schultz on Wednesday along with Owatonna Superintendent Peter Grant, Athletic Director Ryan Swanson, Principal Mark Randall and head coach Josh Williams. The Owatonna School District is investigating.

Rich Buck contends his son played with the utmost respect and class on Wednesday.

Owatonna statement

"We were made aware of the situation and are taking it very seriously. We have since then identified the students in question, investigated thoroughly, and have taken the appropriate actions according to MSHSL policy and our High School Policies."