NBL investigates alleged racist comment in Melbourne United-SEM Phoenix Throwdown

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Melbourne United fired announcer Wayne Peterson for the club’s next two home games in the NBL for an “inappropriate” comment that some interpreted as racist.

Peterson said Southeast Melbourne Phoenix big man Zhou Qi “probably doesn’t understand” why the crowd cheered when he missed two free-throw attempts in the fiery 94-86 victory for the team against Melbourne United on Sunday.

The comment referred to the price of a free burger that everyone at John Cain Arena would receive due to consecutive missed free throws.

The Phoenix has filed a complaint with the NBL about the comment, and the league is currently investigating the matter.

Melbourne United issued a statement Monday evening saying that although the comment was “inappropriate”, he is fully convinced that Peterson had no intention of insulting Zhou.

“Peterson reached out to apologize wholeheartedly to Zhou Qi directly. He would also like to apologize to any other party who took offense,” the club said in a statement.

Mitch Creek unleashes a massive slam dunk over Matthew Dellavedova in Phoenix’s NBL win over Melbourne United on December 12, 2021 Kelly Defina / Getty Images

Melbourne United have mutually agreed with Peterson to remove him from his post for the club’s next two home games.

Peterson will use this time to reflect and continue his education, and will be considered more in his comments in the future.

“The club will continue to champion a strong culture of diversity and inclusion and is committed to increasing club-wide education on multiculturalism and acceptance.

“The club will continue to lead initiatives such as Multicultural Play, and will continue to support and promote the Racism. It Stops With Me campaign.”

The derby was in a bad mood, with a scrum occurring after South East Melbourne star Mitch Creek was brutally checked by Mason Peatling after completing a slam dunk.

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