Announcer Uses Disgusting Racial Slur After High School Team Takes A Knee, Blames Diabetes

A basketball announcer has claimed his Type 1 diabetes caused a rant which saw him use the term 'f**king n*****s' on-air as a girls high school team took the knee.

Norman High School players decided to take a knee during the national anthem in Oklahoma, USA on Thursday prior to their play-off game with Midwest City.

Broadcaster Matt Rowan was involved with the NFHS Network stream and could be heard addressing the gesture.

Per RT.com, Rowan said: "They're kneeling? F**king n*****s. I hope Norman gets their ass kicked. F**k them. I hope they lose. They're gonna kneel like that?"

The clip has since emerged on social media and caused outrage among fans who are in disbelief at the language used.

Rowan has addressed the controversy in a statement and made reference to his sugar levels spiking, while also claiming he believed his microphone was off.

He said per OKCFox: "I, Matt Rowan, on Thursday March 11 2021, most regrettably made some statements that cannot be taken back.

"During the Norman High School girls basketball game vs Midwest City, I made inappropriate and racist comments believing that the microphone was off; however, let me state immediately that is no excuse such comments never should have been uttered.

"I am married, have two children and at one time was a youth pastor. I continue to be a member of a Baptist church.

"I will state that I suffer Type 1 Diabetes and during the game my sugar was spiking.

"While not excusing my remarks it is not unusual when my sugar spikes that I become disoriented and often say things that are not appropriate as well as hurtful. I do not believe that I would have made such horrible statements absent my sugar spiking."

Rowan has since been removed from the rest of the tournament.

The National Federation of State High School Network have said they will be cutting ties with the broadcasters.

A statement read: "The NFHS Network firmly condemns racism, hate and discrimination, and there is no room for this in high school sports or anywhere..

Topics: America, Basketball, News

Daniel Marland

Daniel is a journalist for SPORTbible and he has previous experience with Manchester United. He has spoken to some of the biggest names in sport including Rio Ferdinand, Peter Crouch, WWE COO Triple H and WWE legend The Undertaker. May or may not do a decent impression of Jamie Carragher.

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