"Eat X and Lose" US Announcer's Offensive Remarks to High School Basketball Team Kneeling in Protest Against Racism

On the 11th, the Oklahoma state quarterfinals were held. Norman High School players are seen kneeling on one knee. Photo by Twitter capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim So-young] In the United States, an announcer who hurled insults and racist remarks at high school girls' basketball players participating in the 'kneeling' protest against racial discrimination has sparked widespread criticism.

On the 16th, ABC reported that viewers watching an online live broadcast of a high school basketball game held in Oklahoma on the 11th had to endure the announcer's racist remarks and explicit profanity through the microphone before the game started.

On the day of the Oklahoma state quarterfinals of the National High School Basketball Tournament, the Norman High School girls' team knelt on one knee on the floor in a line facing the opposing team during the playing of the national anthem as a protest against racial discrimination.

In response, the male announcer said, "Are they kneeling now?" and began to utter a racially derogatory term against Black people, which is taboo in the United States.

Unaware that his microphone was on, he continuously spewed racist remarks, profanity, and abusive language throughout the playing of the national anthem, saying, "Norman High School, f*** you. I hope you lose."

After the broadcast aired, the local community was completely outraged, and the tournament organizers struggled to manage the situation.

The Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association (OSSAA), which employed the problematic announcer, apologized to the players, families, and coaches, saying, "We deeply apologize. Such behavior will never be tolerated," and added, "We are investigating the incident and the announcer will not appear in future games."

However, as these remarks rapidly spread through social media, public criticism has not subsided.

One of the Norman High School players tweeted, "This is why we kneel," a phrase that has been widely shared across multiple accounts, garnering solidarity and support.

Norman High School went on to win the championship trophy last weekend after consecutive victories in the semifinals and finals, including the game on that day.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.