Snowboarding legend and now three-time gold medalist Shaun White is garnering a lot of media attention – but it’s not for his near-perfect halfpipe performance.
After learning he had just won a third gold medal, White became emotional and began celebrating. Someone then handed him an American flag.
White continued his celebration, hugging others and walking around. At some points, it appears the American flag is dragged on the ground, and that White steps on it at least once.
This is a clip of White as he is handed the American flag.
Twitter users had mixed reactions.
One user tweeted: “So it’s OK to drag and step on the [American flag] if [you’re] an Olympian like Shaun White.”
So it’s ok to drag and step on the #usa #flag if your an Olympian like #ShaunWhite – but seriously #GOAT pic.twitter.com/oxCQwj7bc5
— Nathan Lewalski (@tridetroit) February 14, 2018
Another user said White “accidentally stumbled on the flag.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. He is a gold medal American patriot,” James Woods tweeted.
He is a great American Olympian, and accidentally stumbled on the flag. Don’t be ridiculous. He is a gold medal American patriot. #BravoShaunWhite https://t.co/jduk9pMHL2
— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) February 15, 2018
During a press conference following his victory, White said he had not intended any disrespect toward the American flag.
“I honestly didn’t,” White responds, when asked about what transpired. “I remember being handed the flag when I was trying to put my gloves on and hold the flag and get my board. Honestly, if there was anything, I definitely didn’t mean any disrespect. The flag that’s flying on my house right now is way up there. So sorry for that. But I’m definitely proud, very proud to be part of Team USA and be an American and to be representing for everyone back home”
