Basketball announcer stood down after ‘inappropriate’ comment during fiery NBL game
Melbourne United have stood down courtside announcer Wayne Peterson for the club’s next two NBL home games for an “inappropriate” comment that some interpreted to be racist.
Peterson said South East Melbourne Phoenix big man Zhou Qi “probably doesn’t understand” why the crowd cheered when he missed two free-throw attempts during the side’s fiery 94-86 win over Melbourne United on Sunday.
The comment referred to the prize of a free burger that each person at John Cain Arena would receive due to the consecutive missed free throws. The Phoenix lodged a complaint with the NBL about the comment, and the league is now investigating the matter.
Melbourne United released a statement on Monday evening saying that although the comment was “inappropriate”, it has full confidence that Peterson had no intention of insulting Zhou.
“Peterson has reached out to offer his unreserved apology to Zhou Qi directly. He would also like to apologise to any other party who took offence,” the club said in a statement.
“Melbourne United has mutually agreed with Peterson to have him step away from his duties for the club’s next two home games. Peterson will use this time for reflection and further education, and will be more considered with his comments in the future.
“The club will continue to uphold a strong culture of diversity and inclusiveness and have committed to increase club-wide education about multiculturalism and acceptance.
“The club will continue to drive initiatives such as the Multicultural Game, and will continue to support and promote the Racism. It Stops With Me campaign.”
The derby was an ill-tempered one, with a melee occurring after South East Melbourne star Mitch Creek was crudely body-checked by Mason Peatling after spectacularly dunking over Matthew Dellavedova.
On Tuesday the NBL claimed the clip of the dunk and resulting fracas had been viewed a staggering 10 million times while inviting the total of six players and coaches to make submissions to the game review panel regarding the incident.
Creek and teammates Izayah Le’afa and Kyle Adnam have been cited for engaging in a melee or brawl. Peatling’s reaction (unduly rough play and engage in melee/brawl) will also come under the microscope, while United’s David Barlow (bench clearing during fight) and assistant coach Justin Schueller (unsportsmanlike behaviour) were implicated for their roles in the aftermath of Creek’s dunk.