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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.

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

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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

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.

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

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.

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