Announcer returns to Minnesota racetrack after being fired for racist speech in Iowa

[ad_1]

FAIRMONT, Minn. –An announcer who was fired by an Iowa racetrack after a racist rant was back behind the microphone in southern Minnesota last weekend, but he did not receive a standing ovation as promised because he was apparently uncomfortable with this plan, according to the promoter of the Fairmont Raceway.

Lon Oelke is the full-time announcer for Fairmont Raceway, where he worked on Friday – days after Kossuth County Speedway in Algona, Iowa, cut ties with him after he launched a racist rant this month against the fans and black athletes who kneel during the national anthem to protest against racial inequalities.

Kossuth County Speedway said in a statement that its executives “did not tolerate” Oelke’s comments, adding that management did not hear them during the race, but only after drawing attention on social media.

“I think this may have all been taken out of context with social media a bit these days,” Fairmont runway promoter Jon McCorkell told the Star Tribune, adding that he “would stick to it. dude”.

In a video posted to Twitter on Thursday, Oelke told the crowd during a race on July 15 that he wanted to make a “social service announcement” before the national anthem. He condemned those who “will not defend our flag” or who “kneel down” during the hymn.

“I have four words for you: find another country if you don’t,” he said. “Get out of the dodge.”

Cheers from the crowd can be heard at this time. Oelke added that he was outraged that the NFL is planning to play the black national anthem ahead of games this season “for these people, I guess the darker skin color, I will just say, blacks.”

“They want a different national anthem and the NFL is thinking about doing it,” he said. “I’m just saying turn off the televisions and let them play in front of no one.”

After Oelke’s Iowa layoff, McCorkell wrote on Facebook that he agreed with Oelke’s comments and said Oelke would “absolutely announce” the races on Friday night and receive a standing ovation. McCorkell’s Facebook post has since been deleted and on Friday there was no standing ovation. McCorkell told the Star Tribune that Oelke was uncomfortable with this.

Oelke was unavailable for comment on the Star Tribune on Friday. His phone number has been disconnected.

McCorkell told the newspaper that Oelke had support in the area.

“Everyone local is basically the same belief as us,” McCorkell said. “We are a nation under God, a national anthem and you stand up for it.”

The Fairmont Raceway, a half-mile dirt track, sits on the Martin County Fairgrounds in Fairmont, approximately 130 miles (209.21 kilometers) southwest of the Twin Cities. Robin Celander, chairman of the fair’s board, said on Monday that the fair would have no comment until the board discusses the situation.

Doug Peterson, a local farmer who serves as the racetrack chaplain, said he spoke with Oelke about the Iowa remarks, and Oelke expressed remorse.

“He’s really sorry,” Peterson said. “I know Lon personally and believe he has love in his heart, not hate. Lonnie is no enemy.”

[ad_2]