EDITORS NOTE: This story and headline were updated after the story originally published to reflect new information that the racial epithet used by a UW staffer was not directed at former Badgers basketball player Kobe King.

MINNEAPOLIS – University of Wisconsin officials are investigating an allegation that a racial epithet was used by a UW staffer.

The Journal Sentinel on Wednesday informed senior associate athletic director Justin Doherty, who oversees the men’s basketball program, it had learned of the allegations.

Doherty provided a statement to the Journal Sentinel during halftime of UW’s 70-52 Big Ten loss at Minnesota:

“UW athletics administration was made aware of an allegation Sunday afternoon and has already taken measures to address it,” Doherty said, reading the statement. “Anytime we are made aware of an allegation of any kind, it is handled with the utmost seriousness.

"There is absolutely no place in UW athletics for the type of behavior being alleged.”

Doherty declined to offer any specifics.

Head coach Greg Gard also declined to offer any specifics.

"I know the university put out the statement so that’s what I’ll refer to," he said after the loss. "The statement is out. Where all that goes, we’ll walk through as we get there."