The Oklahoma City Thunder have apologized to fans for the use of racially insensitive language on the part of play-by-play announcer Brian Davis during a game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night. Davis described superstar Russell Westbrook as being “out of his cotton pickin’ mind” for a spectacular play.
During the Thunder’s final contest of the season, reigning MVP Westbrook made a sensational pass to Thunder teammate Terrence Ferguson, who hit a three pointer.
“Russell looking for Ferguson in the corner for three,” Davis said during the broadcast. “Bang! Westbrook is out of his cotton-pickin’ mind!”
Davis seemed to be using the phrase as a way to show how crazy the play was and was apparently oblivious to how inappropriate and offensive the remark was.
Thunder Vice President of broadcasting Dan Mahoney told the Norman Transcript: “We think obviously the use of that term was offensive and inappropriate, and I expressed that to Bran last night. Brian assures me that it was not meant in any derogatory way, and he apologizes.”
The Thunder are leaving it up to Davis as to whether or not he will continue his 10 year career as a broadcaster for the team going forward.
