The Winnebago Indians are back at this morning at the Class C-1 state tournament. Photo by Anne Thundercloud / Twitter
A broadcaster in Nebraska apologized after a commentator made a racist remark following the win by Winnebago Indians, the boys basketball team from the Winnebago Tribe. Native reporter Kevin Abourezk has more from from the state championship tournament:
A Wahoo online program will no longer work with a volunteer commentator after he referred to “firewater” during his Thursday coverage of the Wahoo-Winnebago boys state basketball game. WahooSportsOnline published an apology on its website to its listeners and to the Winnebago community for the statement. “WahooSportsOnline is aware of an extremely insensitive, and derogatory comment that was made during the Wahoo vs. Winnebago basketball game earlier this morning,” the company wrote. “We absolutely will not tolerate such comments. WahooSportsOnline sincerely apologizes to the players, coaches, fans, and community of Winnebago as well as our general listenership.”
Anne Thundercloud led the call for an apology after a commentator made a racist remark following the win by the Winnebago Indians on Thursday, March 12. Image from Twitter
Bryce Cook, one of the company’s owners, said the individual who made the comment “is no longer affiliated” with the company. He declined to name the man, who he said was a volunteer. “He absolutely holds no malice toward anyone,” he said. “He’s just sick about it.” The reference to firewater dredges up ugly memories for many Native people of a time when U.S. government officials would bribe tribal leaders with whiskey -- which some Native people called firewater because of the burning sensation it left in their throats -- in order to get them to sign treaties.Get the Story:
Kevin Abourezk: Neb. broadcaster apologizes for racist comment during Winnebago game (The Lincoln Journal Star 3/13) Also Today:
'Firewater' Remark Draws Ire of American Indian Team's Fans (AP 3/12)
Boys C-1 state basketball: Threes carry Winnebago past Wahoo (The Lincoln Journal Star 3/12) An Opinion:
Dirk Chatelain: Winnebago shines on big stage (The Omaha World-Herald 3/13)
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tournament win (3/12)
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