An announcer has apologized for a remark about a Native American player during a lacrosse game that he and the team called “insensitive,” with both team and league vowing disciplinary action.
The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Georgia Swarm forward Lyle Thompson said on social media that Philadelphia Wings announcer Shawny Hill said "Let's snip the pony tail" during Saturday night's game at the Wells Fargo Center.
Thompson, of the Onondaga Reservation in central New York, said fans then threatened to "scalp" him.
Hill apologized on social media for "insensitive" words he called "poorly chosen" and "not intended as racially motivated" but reflecting "a lack of knowledge on heritage and history."
The National Lacrosse League said “necessary disciplinary action will be taken swiftly.” The Philadelphia Wings vowed “swift disciplinary and educational measures” to prevent similar episodes.
Hill tweeted that he was "deeply sorry" for his remarks and was trying to reach out to Thompson and his brother and teammate, Miles, to apologize directly.
"I understand the profound hurt that my words caused," he tweeted. "I offer my sincere apology. My words do not reflect my personal beliefs but reflect a lack of knowledge on heritage and history."
The league vowed that “necessary disciplinary action will be taken swiftly.”
"The league and all of our member clubs have a zero tolerance policy for any derogatory or discriminatory statements made," NLL said in a statement.
Source
The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Georgia Swarm forward Lyle Thompson said on social media that Philadelphia Wings announcer Shawny Hill said "Let's snip the pony tail" during Saturday night's game at the Wells Fargo Center.
Thompson, of the Onondaga Reservation in central New York, said fans then threatened to "scalp" him.
Hill apologized on social media for "insensitive" words he called "poorly chosen" and "not intended as racially motivated" but reflecting "a lack of knowledge on heritage and history."
The National Lacrosse League said “necessary disciplinary action will be taken swiftly.” The Philadelphia Wings vowed “swift disciplinary and educational measures” to prevent similar episodes.
Hill tweeted that he was "deeply sorry" for his remarks and was trying to reach out to Thompson and his brother and teammate, Miles, to apologize directly.
"I understand the profound hurt that my words caused," he tweeted. "I offer my sincere apology. My words do not reflect my personal beliefs but reflect a lack of knowledge on heritage and history."
The league vowed that “necessary disciplinary action will be taken swiftly.”
"The league and all of our member clubs have a zero tolerance policy for any derogatory or discriminatory statements made," NLL said in a statement.
Source
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 https://t.co/efODXZScRb— LYLE THOMPSON (@lyle4thompson) January 13, 2019
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