The public address announcer for the Philadelphia Wings lacrosse team apologized for racist comments directed toward an opposing player during Saturday night's game, WPVI reported.
"Let's snip the ponytail," announcer Shawny Hill said to the crowd about Georgia Swarm player Lyle Thompson, who is of Iroquois descent, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported.
In a tweet after the game, Thompson said the crowd at the Wells Fargo Center yelled they would "scalp" him.
"I know Philly takes pride in their ruthless fans but I didn't know it was like that lol. ... now I know ... just haven't heard stuff like this since HS," Thompson tweeted.
Brendan Bomberry, Thompson's teammate, tweeted that Hill's comments were "disgusting and a reality for my ancestors."
Hill issued an apology that he also posted on Twitter, saying he was "deeply sorry" for his comments.
"My words were poorly chosen and were not intended as racially motivated, Shaw tweeted. "I understand the profound hurt my words have caused. I offer my sincere apology."
The Wings issued a statement, noting they "do not tolerate discrimination of any sort," and promising disciplinary action. The National Lacrosse League called Hill's comments "inappropriate" and promised disciplinary action, the Inquirer reported.
Georgia won Saturday’s game, 13-11.
About the Author
Featured
