After a basketball match between Rimini and Avellino in Italy’s second division, Stav Demps, the Jewish wife of Rimini player Cody Demps, was subjected to harassment by two spectators. Aware of her Jewish heritage, they insulted her by calling her an “assassin” and pretended to shoot at her.
The match, held on Sunday, October 4, concluded with Avellino narrowly defeating Rimini 73-72. Following the game, an alarming incident unfolded. Stav Demps, who is pregnant, was targeted by the two fans, who showed no regard for her condition while hurling insults.
Distressed, Stav began to cry as other spectators intervened, helping to remove the offending men. Police soon arrived to escort Cody and Stav outside the arena for their safety.
In a statement, Rimini condemned the behavior of the spectators. “Such conduct has no place in the Flaminio arena and does not reflect the values that have always distinguished Rinascita Basket Rimini, which are of utmost importance to us. We refuse to allow our image to be tarnished by the actions of a few and support the competent authorities in ensuring this never happens again,” Rimini stated, according to reports.
Jamil Sadegholvaad, the mayor of Rimini since 2021, expressed his solidarity with Stav. “I learned from the press about the shameful verbal attack at the Sports Palace after the match between Rimini and Avellino, directed at the Israeli wife of a Dole player. I want to express my deep sympathy and solidarity with this woman after this unacceptable incident, which has nothing to do with Rimini. Rimini, a city awarded gold for civic values, never justifies any form of violence, abuse, or war, regardless of context or circumstance,” he remarked.
Cody Demps, originally from California and having played in the G-League, moved to Israel before joining Rimini in the summer of 2026. He and Stav are expecting their first child together.
