ESPN Anchor Apologizes to Vegas Player for Tasteless Joke

Published May 9, 2023 at 2:25 PM
BY TJ TUCKER

An anchor with ESPN's SportsCenter is apologizing after making fun of the name of a player with the Vegas Golden Knights. While going through highlights of game 3 of the Edmonton Oilers - Vegas Golden Knights series, John Anderson made a joke about Vegas defenceman Zach Whitecloud's name that didn't sit well with many viewers.

"What kind of name is Whitecloud? Great name if you're toilet paper." - John Anderson

Whitecloud is the first Indigenous NHL player from the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation in Manitoba, something he is very proud of.




Today, Anderson offered an apology, and took full responsibility for his actions.

"This is totally on me, and I sincerely apologize to Zach, the Golden Knights, their fans, and everyone else for what I said. It's my job to be prepared and know the backgrounds of players and I blew it. I will be reaching out to the team to personally apologize and hope to have the opportunity to speak to Zach as well."

He's right in that it's his job to be prepared and that it's totally on him. Making fun of someone for their last name comes off as very unprofessional.


It has since been announced that Anderson has spoken personally with Whitecloud, and the defenceman has accepted his apology.

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May 9   |   208 answers
ESPN Anchor Apologizes to Vegas Player for Tasteless Joke

Is an apology enough in this case?

Yes, it is9646.2 %
No, should be suspended or fired8842.3 %
Not sure2411.5 %
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