ESPN anchor Jon Anderson apologized Tuesday for making fun of the name of Indigenous NHL player Las Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Zach Whitecloud during Monday night’s broadcast.
Anderson, who has been with the station since 1999, made the remarks while discussing highlights from the Golden Knights’ 5-1 win. edmonton oilers Round 3 of the Stanley Cup playoff second round series.
The Vegas Golden Knights celebrate after scoring a second period goal against the Edmonton Oilers in Game 3 of Round 2 of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada on May 8, 2023. Zach Whitecloud (middle). (Andy Devlin/NHLI via Getty Images)
“What’s the name of White Cloud? Toilet paper is a great name,” Anderson said in a video of White Cloud’s goal in the second period.
Golden Knights take series lead in Game 3 against Oilers
The remarks received a backlash online, and Anderson apologized.
“This is entirely my responsibility and I sincerely apologize to Zack, the Golden Knights, their fans and everyone else for my remarks,” he said in a statement via Awful Announcing.
The Golden Knights celebrate the first of three goals in the second period against the Edmonton Oilers during Game 3 of Round 2 of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Zach Whitecloud (right) of the Las Vegas Golden Nights. (Lawrence Scott/Getty Images)
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“It’s my job to be prepared and know the background of the players, but I failed. I will be contacting the team to personally apologize and I hope to have the opportunity to speak with Zach as well. ”
According to NHL.com, White Cloud will be the first Indigenous NHL player from the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation.
Las Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Zach Whitecloud scored with a shot during the second period of a game against the Detroit Red Wings in Las Vegas on November 18, 2021. (AP Photo/Joe Bagwitz)
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Whitecloud referred to the controversy at a press conference on Tuesday, saying he had spoken to Anderson and accepted an apology, according to SinBin.Vegas.
“I don’t want to stand here in front of you, but I hope it’s an opportunity for you to learn,” Whitecloud said.