Minnesota High School Hockey Announcer Yanked Off Air After "Lynching Ropes" Comment

Doug McLeod, a play-by-play announcer for the Minnesota Boys’ State Hockey Tournament, was pulled off the air Thursday after he referred to “lynching ropes” during a game broadcast.

When Blaine scored to take a 3-0 lead in the second period of the team’s quarterfinal game against White Bear Lake, McLeod said, “All the White Bear fans get out the lynching ropes.” He then paused and said, “Just reporting.”

The Star Tribune that Tom Hauser, KSTP’s chief political reporter, was hosting coverage of the tournament and later apologized to viewers:

“Earlier in this broadcast this afternoon, there was an inappropriate comment made,” Hauser said. “If you were offended by this comment, we sincerely apologize.”