A Black University of Kentucky basketball player found himself apologizing after a hot mic picked up his “poor choice of words” towards his White opponent during a post-NCAA Final Four game press conference Saturday.
Kentucky guard Andrew Harrison was caught calling his opponent, Wisconsin’s Frank Kaminsky, the N-word after a reporter questioned the panel of Wildcats about the standout star and his team’s upset win.
According to the Washington Post:
An expletive and slur directed at Wisconsin’s Frank Kaminsky were picked up by microphones as Harrison sat, disappointed, and tried to explain Kentucky’s first loss in 39 games. Harrison was seated with several teammates at an interview table when a reporter asked Karl-Anthony Towns about Kaminsky, saying: “Karl, could you talk about Kaminsky and what if anything is unique about defending him?” Near the end of the question, Harrison covered his mouth and mumbled, “[Expletive] that [N-word].”
He later apologized for the slip, saying his words about Kaminsky were “in jest.” He took to Twitter to say that he meant no disrespect when uttering the racial slur.
First i want to apologize for my poor choice of words used in jest towards a player I respect and know.
— Andrew Harrison (@DrewRoc5) April 5, 2015
When I realized how this could be perceived I immediately called big frank to apologize and let him know I didn’t mean any disrespect
— Andrew Harrison (@DrewRoc5) April 5, 2015
We had a good conversation and I wished him good luck in the championship game Monday.
— Andrew Harrison (@DrewRoc5) April 5, 2015
It’s unclear if the school will discipline Harrison, but a spokesman for the Wildcats said the situation would be evaluated. As for Kaminsky, he harbors no bad blood, even though “Harrison and his twin brother and teammate, Aaron, skipped the postgame handshake line,” the Post reports.
“He reached out to me. We talked about it. [I’m] Over it,” Kaminsky said. “Nothing needs to be made out of it.”
SOURCE: Washington Post, Twitter | VIDEO SOURCE: NDN
SEE ALSO:
“No N-Words:” Racist Graffiti Found In Student Center Prompts Connecticut College To Cancel Classes
Black University Of Kentucky Basketball Player Apologizes For Calling White Opponent The N-Word was originally published on newsone.com