Host mocks Zach Whitecloud's Aboriginal surname

Sometimes it’s better to say nothing than to get into trouble. ESPN’s John Anderson understood this when he stirred up controversy by making fun of Golden Knights defenseman Zach Whitecloud’s last name.

While commenting on the highlights of Game 3 of the series between the Golden Knights and Oilers, Anderson wanted to make a joke that didn’t go over well.

“What kind of name is Whitecloud? It’s a good name if you’re toilet paper!” – John Anderson

Here’s the clip in question:

During the Vegas-Edmonton highlight on SportsCenter, John Anderson jokes about Zach Whitecloud’s name, saying it’s a “great name if you’re a toilet paper.”

Whitecloud is the first Indigenous NHL player from the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation. pic.twitter.com/gngA1yg8wk

– Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 9, 2023

You might think it’s just a little joke, but Zach Whitecloud is a member of the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation, a First Nation in Manitoba. Whitecloud is the first player from this nation to reach the NHL, and he’s often talked about it in recent years.

Anderson was unaware of the situation and quickly apologized to the Vegas player.

Zach Whitecloud speaks on his pride for his heritage. pic.twitter.com/3j5pIQT120

– z – Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) May 9, 2023

The day after the incident, Whitecloud confirmed to the media that he forgives John Anderson, explaining that people make mistakes and that this is a learning situation for many.

The two men involved in this matter reacted very well. On the one hand, John Anderson wasted no time in apologizing, and on the other, Zach Whitecloud remained calm and professional in a situation that would have frustrated many.

John Anderson has been a member of the ESPN team since 1999. You can learn something new every day, even when you’ve been in the business for more than 20 years.

In bursts

– The Canadiens will have to be patient, no matter which player is selected.

Who do the @CanadiensMTL have their eyes on at the draft when they pick 5th overall? @MarcDenis_RDS shares his thoughts with @mckennaconor and @ShaunStarr78: https://t.co/Z1h9I2lelw

– TSN 690 Radio (@TSN690) May 9, 2023

– He draws a parallel between Michkov’s situation and that of Mailloux.

This coming from a former member of the organization! https://t.co/XqsSrnw7Dv

– TVA Sports (@TVASports) May 9, 2023

– It’s completely crazy.

Do you think there are a lot of big discrepancies in the #lnh playoff scores this year? So do we! Check it out: 19 out of 62 games to date have ended with a difference of 4 goals or more!

– GodboutSports (@GodboutSports) May 10, 2023

– The Devils have no room for error.

Hurricanes score 5 times in second to put Devils on brinkhttps://t.co/2ihikgv8xW

– RDS (@RDSca) May 10, 2023

– Stéphane Leroux still hasn’t changed his mind about Matvei Michkov.

“If I’m the CH, I don’t think so! He has a family environment that is not obvious” – @StephRDSJunior

Matvei Michkov probably won’t be picked 5th by the @CanadiensMTL, in his opinion.

Listen now with @LangloisMario https://t.co/ombAm7kmJx pic.twitter.com/f53RkZU2QL

– 98.5 Sports (@985Sports) May 10, 2023