Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 1/15/19
The public address announcer for the Philadelphia Wings has been fired over a remark about a Native American player during Saturday’s National Lacrosse League game with the Georgia Swarm that has caused a landslide of fallout.
The Philadelphia Wings said announcer Shawny Hill had been “permanently removed” from his role with the team and suspended from assignments at the Wells Fargo Center.
The Wings statement: “Shawny Hill has been permanently removed from his role with the Philadelphia Wings and has been suspended from all in-arena announcing assignments at the Wells Fargo Center. In addition, the Wings are working closely with the National Lacrosse League to implement ongoing diversity training for all employees which will include a focus on the Native North American roots and traditions of the sport. The Wings remain deeply apologetic for the offensive comments that overshadowed Saturday night’s game and are fully committed to furthering a culture of respect.”
Georgia Swarm forward Lyle Thompson, of the Onondaga Reservation in central New York, said Hill said “Let’s snip the pony tail” during Saturday’s game and fans then began to shout calls to “scalp” him.
After the game, Thompson tweeted, “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.”
Hill tweeted an apology after the game, saying he was “deeply sorry” for his comments.
“My words were poorly chosen and were not intended as racially motivated,” Hill tweeted. “I understand the profound hurt my words have caused. I offer my sincere apology.”
The National Lacrosse League said on Monday, “The League and all of our member clubs have a zero tolerance policy for any derogatory or discriminatory statement made. The statements by the Wings in arena host were inappropriate and the necessary disciplinary action will be taken swiftly.”