There is no questioning Hoosiers’ passion for high school basketball.
But an incident during a webcast of Friday night’s Norwell-Homestead boys basketball game led to an apology from Norwell High School and the website that streamed the game and a resignation by the broadcaster.
Late in the game, Homestead’s Trent Loomis went in for a dunk with his team leading by eight points. He was assessed a technical foul for hanging on the rim, and the broadcaster for Wellscountyvoice.com took exception.
“Showboat. Loomis gets two, but then he gets teched up for being a jackass. Stay classy, Homestead, may you lose in the first round like you always do,” the broadcaster said. “Typical Homestead attitude. No class whatsoever, what else is new. Congratulations, you didn’t even cover the damn spread.”
Didn’t mean any disrespect, but thanks for the encouragement kind sir, I’m flattered! 🐐 pic.twitter.com/JjOOsOUf2k
— Trent Loomis (@trent_loomis) February 23, 2019
Scott and Dayle Mentzer, who operate Wellscountyvoice.com, issued an apology Saturday and said the broadcaster apologized to Norwell High School and voluntarily resigned from his position.
“Wellscountyvoice.com was founded to promote, honor and elevate the high school athletes of our communities. This is a largely a service based organization that prides itself to be an asset to our Northern Indiana families and friends. Disparaging comments are never condoned and is a personal embarrassment to all we have strived to build over the last decade. The comments are offensive and in no way mirror who we are as people or as members of community which we attempt to bring value.”
Norwell Athletics also tweeted out an apology, which Loomis graciously accepted.
Norwell Athletics and Norwell H.S. would like to profusely apologize to Homestead H.S. for the comments made by an independent on-line commentator that was broadcasting the basketball game tonight. His comments do not reflect the values and opinions of Norwell H.S. @Spartytweets
— Norwell Athletics (@Norwell_AD) February 23, 2019
Ohh apology accepted it’s not a big deal! Good luck the rest of the year great game!
— Trent Loomis (@trent_loomis) February 23, 2019
