In a shameful display of racism, a high school basketball announcer in Oklahoma was caught using the N-word on a hot mic during Thursday’s women’s 6A state playoff game between Norman and Midwest City. Players from Norman kneeled for the national anthem (something they've been doing since mid-January), prompting this ugly reaction captured live on NFHS (National Federation of High Schools) Network’s online stream.
The announcer, who has yet to be identified, appears to say, “They’re kneeling? F****** n******. I hope Norman gets their ass kicked. F*** them. I hope they lose.” Dr. Nick Migliorino, who serves as superintendent of Norman Public Schools, announced the school will no longer stream games on NFHS, calling the disparaging language used Thursday night “disgusting” and “hateful.” “This type of hate speech has no place in our society and we are outraged that it would be directed at any human being and particularly at our students,” Migliorino acknowledged in a statement released Friday. “We fully support our students’ right to freedom of expression and our immediate focus is to support these girls and their coaches and families, particularly our Black students and coaching staff. It is tragic that the hard work and skill of this team is being overshadowed by the vile, malignant words of these individuals.”
Bills receiver Kenny Stills and Gerald McCoy of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers both took to Twitter to address the controversy, expressing their disgust over what transpired during Thursday’s state quarterfinals game.
This incident comes on the heels of Miami Heat center Meyers Leonard using an anti-Semitic slur during a live Twitch stream, which resulted in a $50,000 fine and a one-week suspension from team activities. Leonard, who claimed not to know what the word meant, was dropped by several of his sponsors including gaming companies Origin PC, Astro Gaming and FaZe Clan.
Norman defeated Midwest City 53-40 to advance to Friday’s state semifinals game against Union.
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