John Mellencamp embarrassed at Pacers-Knicks. | College News

Legendary rocker and Indiana native John Mellencamp apologized Thursday “on behalf of most Hoosiers” for the “poor, poor sportsmanship” displayed during the Pacers’ home win over the New York Knicks in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals two days earlier.

Although the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer. didn’t call out any particular Indiana sports activities fan in the assertion he posted to X hours before Game 5, Mellencamp appeared to have a specific individual in thoughts — standard ESPN persona 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,” the “Hurts So Good” singer wrote. “The audience booed these people. I’d say that was not Hoosier Hospitality. One could only say it’s poor, poor sportsmanship.”

Hours after Mellencamp posted his assertion, McAfee reposted it on X and recognized himself as the one who instigated Pacers followers to behave in such a method.

“I am ‘somebody,’” McAfee wrote.

Mellencamp and McAfee had been both on hand Tuesday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse as the Pacers defeated the Knicks 130-121 to take a 3-1 collection lead. Addressing the gang during a fourth-quarter timeout, McAfee referred to as out movie star Knicks followers Spike Lee, Ben Stiller and Timothée Chalamet — all of whom had been in attendance that night time — and inspired Pacers followers to “send these sons of b— back to New York with their ears ringing!”

Stiller addressed the matter later that night time on X, saying he assumed that McAfee was “playing around” and that all the followers he met at the world had been “awesome and incredibly cool.”

Mellencamp, however, was not completely satisfied with the shenanigans.

“I was not proud to be a Hoosier, and I’ve lived here my entire life,” the singer once identified as Johnny Cougar wrote. “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.”

Mellencamp’s use of the “smackdown” seems to be a thinly veiled reference to McAfee, who is a coloration commentator and occasional wrestler for WWE. “Friday Night SmackDown” is one of the group’s signature TV exhibits.

It is unclear why Mellencamp opted to voice his displeasure so long after the incident occurred. Perhaps he plans to be in attendance Thursday night time at Madison Square Garden as his Pacers attempt to seal their first journey to the NBA Finals since 2000.

One individual who gained’t be there may be McAfee, despite a pleasant invite from Stiller.