U.S. snowboarder Shaun White has earned his third gold medal in the Winter Olympic men's halfpipe event. The thrilling come-from-behind victory for White came during his final run as he dazzled judges to post a score of 97.75.
Naturally what followed was a highly emotional celebration. Someone handed White an American flag, and during the festivities parts of the flag touched the ground and at one point he appeared to step on it. The internet was quick to respond:
At a news conference Wednesday evening, White publicly apologized:
“Honestly, if there was anything … I didn’t mean any disrespect. The flag that’s flying up on my house right now is definitely really high up there. Sorry about that. I’m really proud to represent Team USA.”