CBS/Turner announcer apologizes for insensitive remark toward Polish-born Gonzaga player

CBS/Turner announcer Andrew Catalon made a bad choice of words on Friday night.

With time dwindling in Gonzaga's 85-77 win over Oklahoma State, Catalon described the Cowboys' foul strategy as "Hack-a-Polack." The reference was made because Oklahoma State had just fouled Gonzaga's Przemek Karnowski, who was born in Poland.

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Catalon was apparently unaware that Polack is seen as a derogatory term.

"Pole" is the preferred nomenclature.

Broadcast partner Mike Gminski, however, quickly said "Hey now!" and cut Catalon off during the broadcast on TNT.  Gminski knows better and he should, seeing as how he's a member of the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame.

Whoops.

Catalon seemed awkward about the mistake and later made an apology during the game's garbage time,.

However, it was of the "I'm sorry if people were offended" variety.

Here's guessing Catalon is going to be a lot more careful with his descriptions in the future.

UPDATE: Catalon later tweeted out an apology and said he had directly apologized to Karnowski, who accepted his apology.

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Kevin Kaduk

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