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Nebraska website apologizes for ‘firewater’ remark directed at American Indian basketball team

OMAHA, Neb. – An owner of a sports website apologized Thursday after one of its commentators used the term “firewater” in describing how supporters of an American Indian boys high school basketball team would celebrate its first-round victory at the state tournament.

WahooSportsOnline.com co-owner Bryce Cook said the comment was made by a volunteer who was assisting Cook and Kevin Stuhr as the site streamed the game online. Cook said the volunteer would not work for the site again.

The comment was made near the end of Winnebago High School’s 66-50 win over Wahoo in the Class C1 tournament Thursday.

Lance Morgan, president and CEO of the economic development corporation owned by the Winnebago Tribe, said the term “firewater” is upsetting because it refers to the stereotype of American Indians drinking to excess.

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