President Barack Obama's niece Leslie Robinson, a freshman on the Princeton women’s basketball team, was threatened by phone just hours before her Monday night game in Maryland, and security was beefed up.
"It’s incredibly disappointing that the first question we get (after) being 31-1 (and) in the NCAA Tournament is about a freak," said Princeton coach Courtney Banghart after the game, referring to the threatening caller. "College Park police, I’m sure, had that under control. Leslie is safe. She’s in my locker room. No one loves her like I do. She’s an important part of our team."
NBC Sports reported that police received a call around 3 p.m. from a woman. She said that she'd received a text from a third party. That third party suggested that a male the woman knew had a gun and mentioned Obama's niece.
Officers soon contacted the Secret Service, and security was tightened out of an abundance of caution. At the same time, the threat was investigated and found to be unsubstantiated.
Robinson is the daughter of former Princeton player and Oregon State head coach Craig Robinson, who is himself the brother of first lady Michelle Obama.
Robinson was not notified of the threat ahead of the game, however coach Banghart was notified.
President Obama attended Princeton's game on Saturday, but did not attend Monday's game. Robinson did not play in either game.
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