It's time to party in Norman, Oklahoma! The Norman High School girls basketball defeated Bixby High School by 11 points on Saturday to capture the Oklahoma 6A State Championship. Not only did Norman High School pull off a win in the state championship, but they also finished the season with a perfect record of 19-0.
This celebration is in spite of the recent controversy surrounding the ball team. Earlier this week, the Norman High School girls basketball team opted to kneel during the national anthem as a sign of solidarity with marginalized communities across the globe. As they knelt, a basketball announcer by the name of Matt Rowan was caught on a hot mic making racist remarks about the team's decision to do so.
"They're kneeling? F--- them," Matt Rowan said.
"I hope Norman gets their ass kicked. ... F---ing n-----s."
***The video below contains racial slurs and other graphic language***
After making these remarks, Rowan attempted to apologize for his remarks. However, he seemingly made things worse as he tried to tie his use of racial slurs to his diabetic condition.
"I, Matt Rowan, on Thursday, March 11, 2021, most regrettably made some statements that cannot be taken back," Rowan said.
“I will state that I suffer Type 1 Diabetes and during the game, my sugar was spiking. While not excusing my remarks it is not unusual when my sugar spikes that I become disoriented and often say things that are not appropriate as well as hurtful. I do not believe that I would have made such horrible statements absent my sugar spiking.”
As Rowan's remarks and apology made their way around the internet, everyone added their two cents. Ultimately, the WNBA offered a note of support for the Norman High School girls basketball team.
"To our young sisters, the future stars of our sport and rising leaders of this country: We cannot let another day go by without you hearing from us. You demonstrated great courage and conviction in your decision to take a knee for justice," the Women's National Basketball Players Association stated.
"To our young sisters, the future stars of our sport and rising leaders of this country: We cannot let another day go by without you hearing from us. You demonstrated great courage and conviction in your decision to take a knee for justice."
Rowan's comments appear to be background noise for the successful girls program. The team has earned a record of 43-1 over the last two seasons with two state titles.
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