A racially charged incident occurred on Saturday at the Wells Fargo Center, where the Philadelphia Wings were facing Lyle Thompson and the Georgia Swarm in a much-anticipated matchup. The Wings trailed by as many as five goals early, but rallied to make it a close game going into the fourth quarter.

As is customary at Wings games, public address announcer Shawny Hill’s voice can be heard during play, energizing fans throughout the contest. However, with just under four minutes remaining in the game, Hill made an insensitive comment about Thompson and his braided ponytail.

As Thompson ran up the floor, the announcer said, “Let’s snip the ponytail right there.” Afterward, Thompson alleges fans threatened to "scalp" him.

The comments drew the ire of some fans at Wells Fargo Center immediately. The game moved on — eventually ending the Swarm’s 13-11 victory.

Later Saturday night, Thompson shared his thoughts on Hill’s comments during the game.

2019 and the @NLLwings arena announcer saying “let’s snip the pony tail” to the whole arena and fans saying they’re going to scalp me.... damn Daniel.

— LYLE THOMPSON (@lyle4thompson) January 13, 2019

Thompson was backed up by teammates and fellow players on social media.

Great game and atmosphere @NLLwings but it was overshadowed by your in game announcer’s comments towards my teammates, “let’s snip the braid” was disgusting and a reality for my ancestors when they were forced into Christian residential schools

— Brendan Bomberry (@Leftybombz21) January 13, 2019

Embarrassing & disgraceful. We’re not nearly as far along as we think we are. Damn shame. We’re all rockin with you, 4. https://t.co/fYg8wzTZD8

— Kyle Harrison (@KyleHarrison18) January 13, 2019

 

 

 

 

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The Wings has been, by far, the most diverse lacrosse team I’ve been apart of. We have Canadians, Native Americans, African Americans, Americans and a European player. It’s been amazing to see how we’ve all come from such different backgrounds and become so close in such a sort period of time, especially in a sport that lacks diversity. I attributed our diversity as an expansion team to be a shift in the sport. A progression that everyone believes needs to happen... Last night’s error was tragic, but opens the conversation for more progression within this sport. Progression through knowledge, acceptance and unity. I trust the organization won’t take this lightly, as do I. Let’s progress together

A post shared by Trevor Baptiste (@trevorbaptiste9) on Jan 13, 2019 at 12:34pm PST

The comment was targeted at Thompson’s hair, worn in a ponytail — customary to many Native American tribes, including the Six Nations. The long hair carries strong cultural significance for the Native American people. Thompson offered a little more context on the issue in an Instagram post on Nov. 9.

As information of the comments spread on social media, some of the sport’s biggest names and entities, including US Lacrosse, were quick to denounce the actions.

Statement from the League Office: pic.twitter.com/txXplDqAz7

— NLL (@NLL) January 13, 2019

pic.twitter.com/Z7riNe9DvT

— Philadelphia Wings (@NLLwings) January 13, 2019

Hill took to Twitter to apologize to Thompson, and the lacrosse community as a whole, for his comments.

. pic.twitter.com/EtPDdFUBLo

— Shawny Hill (@ShawnyHill) January 13, 2019

Saturday’s incident is not isolated in the sport of lacrosse. In fact, Albany star Tehoka Nanticoke shared an encounter he had in a Philadelphia-area tournament.

One of the last times I played in philly. I played a certain prep school who had racist remarks towards me. I played box my whole life where stuff like that didn’t happen a lot. But yeah I started a brawl bcuz of what was said. Lacrosse world needs to get a grip on their history.

— TN1 (@Tehoka1) January 13, 2019

It has ignited another discussion of race in the sport and the respect for the origins of lacrosse.