John Mellencamp witnessed the Indiana Pacers take one step closer to the NBA Finals on Tuesday. However, the songwriter didn’t appreciate the home crowd’s behavior during a Game 4 victory.
Ahead of Thursday’s Game 5, Mellencamp chastized fellow Pacers fans for their actions at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Although not named directly, the Grammy Award-winner seemingly directed his ire toward Pat McAfee.
“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,” Mellencamp wrote. “The audience booed these people. I’d say that was not Hoosier Hospitality.”
On Tuesday night, McAfee introduced some “big wigs from the big city” in attendance while addressing the crowd. Fans booed as the former Indianapolis Colts punter identified celebrity Knicks fans Ben Stiller, Spike Lee, and Timothée Chalamet.
“Let’s send these sons of b****s back to New York with their ears ringing! Let’s turn this s*** up,” McAfee said.
Mellencamp criticized the “poor sportsmanship” on display.
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“I was not proud to be a Hoosier, and I’ve lived here my entire life,” he said. “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.”
McAfee appeared to realize Mellencamp was talking about him. The ESPN host replied to the post by writing, “I am ‘somebody.’“
The Pacers extended their series lead behind a stellar performance from Tyrese Haliburton, who tallied 32 points, 15 assists, and 12 rebounds without committing a single turnover. The No. 4 seed continued their red-hot shooting by making over half of their field goals (45 of 88) and 13 of 32 three-point tries.
Lee, Stiller, and Chalamet should receive a warmer reception if they attend Thursday’s potential elimination game at Madison Square Garden. However, Mellencamp probably shouldn’t expect New Yorkers to express hospitality toward any Pacers fans inside The World’s Most Famous Arena.
Game 5 tips off at 8 p.m. ET on TNT.
Related: ESPN Makes Decision On The Pat McAfee Show Amid Rumors