REGINA — A Fox Sports announcer’s claim that Saskatchewan is named after the sasquatch because the province is home to the hairy, ape-like creature is getting a lot of laughs.
The announcer made the comment after his network colleague mentioned during Tuesday night’s game between the Utah Jazz and the Dallas Mavericks that Saskatoon-born Jazz forward Trey Lyles is the first-ever NBA player from Saskatchewan.
“Wow, that’s an impressive NBA fact right there,” the announcer said. “Of course, that region (is) known for being home to a lot of sasquatches.”
“Saskatchewan?” asked the other announcer in apparent bewilderment.
“Yes,” he replied. "That's what it's named after."
When the other announcer said he didn’t think that’s what the province is known for, the one who made the bizarre claim fired back with “look it up.”
“It’s known for being very cold; very flat and very cold,” said the other announcer. “It is known for that.”
Many in Saskatchewan — or is it Sasquatchewan? — are having a good chuckle over the colourful commentary, including politicians.
"I think we might have more Elvis sightings than actual sasquatch sightings in Saskatchewan," joked Premier Brad Wall.
Regina Mayor Michael Fougere said the on-air exchange was “good for a laugh.”
“It is sort of funny that they think that Saskatchewan is named after a sasquatch,” Fougere said. “That’s a good one. I’ve never heard that one before.”
