Notre Dame leprechaun responds to social media criticism

By: Shannon Nolan Facebook | Twitter

Posted: Sep 5, 2019 1:23 PM EDT

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NOTRE DAME, Ind.—One of the leprechaun mascots at the University of Notre Dame has responded to criticism on social media over his role at university sporting events.

Samuel Jackson, the second-ever African American leprechaun mascot at Notre Dame, is asking for unity after the founder of sports website Barstool Sports, Dave Portnoy, tweeted about him. Jackson responded on Twitter the following day.

You know what is sad? Internet outrage culture has made me afraid to say that I think the ND mascot should always be a midget looking ginger. So I’m just not gonna say it. pic.twitter.com/Xr4MnjVdsB
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) September 3, 2019

Like it or not, this guy right here is still one of your Notre Dame leprechauns! How about we use this negative energy to bring us together this season? See y’all next game ?☘️ #GoIrish pic.twitter.com/adYbTgUplU
— Jamuel Sackson (@samuelbjackson) September 4, 2019

A spokesperson for the University of Notre Dame released the following statement on Thursday regarding the Twitter exchange:

“Notre Dame condemns in no uncertain terms the racist comment directed toward Samuel. We wholeheartedly support his response and stand in unity with him.”