Thunder Apologize for "Cotton-Pickin'" Reference Made by Announcer During Russell Westbrook Play

Not a good look

The Oklahoma City Thunder play-by-play announcer Brian Davis is getting criticized for saying a racist statement about NBA star Russell Westbrook during a game between the Thunder and the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday.

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The moment occurred around the four minute mark of the second quarter. Westbrook, who just averaged a triple double for the second year in a row, made a spectacular steal and pass to Terrance Ferguson, who then hit a corner three.

While the play was happening, Davis yelled out that Westbrook was "out of his cotton pickin mind." Obviously, this is a wildly inappropriate thing to say:

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The clip got a lot of play on Twitter. Afterwards, the Thunder organization released a statement about the comment:

We find the term used by Brian Davis on our broadcast last night to be highly inappropriate and offensive.Weve discussed it with the announcer and let him know that. He assures us it was not meant in any sort of offensive or derogatory manner and he apologizes. Nonetheless, hes been told the use of that term in any manner is unacceptable.

Dan Mahoney, the Thunders vice president of broadcasting, echoed the statement released. He also added that it's up to Davis if he wants to apologize publicly, saying:

Thats really up to Brian...Again, weve expressed to him strongly that it was offensive and inappropriate, and thats all we can do for right now.

H/T: New York Post