The Indiana Pacers have taken a commanding 3-1 lead against the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals, highlighted by their 130-121 triumph in Game 4. Tyrese Haliburton earned accolades for his outstanding performance, achieving a triple-double with 32 points, 15 assists, and 12 rebounds in 38 minutes of play.

During a pause in the fourth quarter, former Colts punter Pat McAfee took a microphone and delivered a WWE-inspired promotion, mentioning prominent Knicks fans such as Spike Lee and Timothee Chalamet, which was met with jeers from Pacers fans. McAfee went as far as to urge fans to “send these sons of bitches back to New York with their ears ringing,” using strong language.

John Mellencamp, an Indiana native and Grammy winner, witnessed the incident firsthand and later expressed his displeasure through a statement on social media, emphasizing that the behavior witnessed didn’t reflect Hoosier hospitality. Mellencamp stated:

“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.”

Mellencamp concluded by apologizing on behalf of the Indiana community, stressing that he believed the Pacers organization had no part in McAfee’s actions. The Pacers are on the brink of securing their second appearance in the NBA Finals, with an opportunity to eliminate the Knicks in New York on Thursday night.