Being from North Carolina, Penn State basketball player Freddie Barnes says he's used to racism. But that doesn't mean he likes it. Or accepts it.

"I'm from the South, so, you know, I'm used to it," Barnes said. "I just think not only Penn State, but it should be stopped everywhere -- not just here. Things going on here shouldn't just affect people at Penn State, but everybody should take notice what's happening here."

On Saturday, while protesters assembled in Rec Hall bleachers near mid-court, Barnes and his teammates sported black bands on their uniforms during their game against St. Bonaventure in support of the call to end racism.

Members of the black community here began protesting the University and borough environment this week, which they claim is insensitive and unresponsive to black concerns. A series of protests and demonstrations started last Tuesday and continued throughout the weekend.

At Saturday's game, about 250 black protesters -- many whom are University students -- sang the "Black National Anthem" as the Nittany Lions took the court. After the playing of the national anthem ack protesters -- many of whom are University students -- stood together holding hands in the bleachers and chanted, "Racism has no place at Penn State." The students filed out of Rec Hall in the early moments of the game.

The team - nearly three-quarters black - unanimously chose to wear the patches, Coach Bruce Parkhill said, after a few players were approached about making individual statements.

"We felt that if it's a statement that everybody on the team is in sync with, that we should be represented as a team," Parkhill said. "If we have a couple guys on the team that really feel strongly about something and everybody else feels the same way, then we should do it as a unit. That's the way everybody felt."

The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics also took steps to denounce racism in a statement read before Saturday's basketball game and wrestling match at Rec Hall. "Bigotry and intolerance thrive in an atmosphere of indifference and neglect," the statement read in part. "Enlightened, positive action and education can help us forge the kind of society here at Penn State . . . that will render obsolete prejudice, and the insensitivity that often accompanies it, once and for all."

While national coverage of racial tension at Penn State may affect recruiting, Parkhill, a State College native, said he is more concerned as a citizen than as a coach about racism in the community.

"I think bigotry is something that needs to be addressed. It is repulsive to everyone I know," Parkhill said. "I salute the kids on campus who are willing to make a stand."

A freshman, Barnes said he heard about racial problems at the University last year, before he committed to attending any school.

"But then I also thought about when I came up here on my visit and everybody was friendly toward me," he said. "I don't know if that was because I played basketball or not. But I didn't let that affect my decision."

The players couldn't help but notice the protesters, assembled in the bleachers near mid-court, but the Lions disregarded any distraction.

"It didn't affect us," senior forward Tom Hovasse said. "I think what they stand for is something that needs to be done here. I think what they're doing is a good thing."

"We didn't know exactly what would happen, and we (knew) we couldn't let it be a distraction in the game. We were supportive, but then when the game started, we had to have our minds on the game," Parkhill added.

While the players joined in the protest of racism, Hovasse, who is white, said racial tensions do not exist on the team.

"We all get along," he said. "There's nothing even close to resembling that at all." Hovasse's teammates echoed his assessment of the players' on- and off-court relationships.