John Mellencamp apologises on behalf of Indiana Pacers fans after McAfee’s stint: “I was not proud to be a Hoosier”

Actor Ben Stiller may have let go of sports analyst McAfee’s demeaning remark and the booing by Pacers fans during the Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

But Rock and Roll Hall-of-Famer John Mellencamp, who hails from Indianapolis, has said he feels embarrassed by the incident and has apologized on behalf of the home crowd in Indianapolis.

John Mellencamp pens an apology

Taking to X to share his views on McAfee’s remark, which insulted the celebrity audience, John Mellencamp wrote—without naming him—"The Knicks/Pacers games have been very entertaining for anyone who likes basketball or sports.

I attended Game 4 in Indianapolis. ‘Hoosier Hospitality’... I was embarrassed when somebody, under whose direction I don't know, called out some of the people who had made the trip from New York to support their team — and in turn, support our team.

The audience booed these people. I'd say that was not Hoosier Hospitality. One could only say it's poor, poor sportsmanship. I was not proud to be a Hoosier, and I've lived here my entire life.”

"On behalf of most Hoosiers, I would like to apologize for our poor behavior. I'm sure the Pacers had nothing to do with this smackdown," he added.

McAfee got the point and responded to his post, "I am 'somebody.'" He had already given his side of the explanation on his show a day before. He claimed “it was very clear what the assignment was" when the camera crew asked him on the spot to hype up the home crowd.However, it seems many didn’t mind McAfee’s hype phrase, as he gave a shoutout to the Pacers fans. A fan wrote in reaction to Mellencamp’s tweet, “Sometimes People’s Excitement For The Game Goes To Their Heads, Still No Excuse !!!!”Another wrote, “Neither Ben Stiller, nor Timothee Chalamet, took offense to @PatMcAfeeShow pumping up the crowd by poking fun at the New York celebrities at Game 4 in Indiana.

I wasn’t a fan of the profanity, but still, this is sports. This is the Playoffs. Stop trying to feminize it.”One more said, “Bro what? I’m a Knicks fan, I love Pat Mcafee, and I didn’t think it was out of place or rude at all? You gotta be able to dish it out and take it.”Also Read: Ben Stiller praises Indy fans despite being booed during New York Knicks vs Indiana Pacers game, calls McAfee’s demeaning remark “weird”The Indiana Pacers defeated the New York Knicks in Game 4 on their home ground. The two teams will face each other again in Game 5.