MI Republican Rep. Maddock slammed for Gonzaga 'Illegal Invaders' comment
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
Michigan State Rep. Matt Maddock (R) falsely accused the Gonzaga University men's basketball team of being "illegal invaders" when he posted a photo of a plane landing at the Detroit Metro Airport on Wednesday night.
"Three busses (sic) just loaded up with illegal invaders at Detroit Metro. Anyone have any idea where they're headed with their police escort?" he tweeted to his 1,800 followers.
When another user suggested the buses might be a basketball team arriving for the NCAA Men's basketball tournament, he responded with "sure kommie (sic). Good talking point."
That user was correct, according to an executive producer at TV station WXYZ.
Just to be clear, this was the Gonzaga basketball team.
Photos show Gonzaga getting on an Allegiant plane to Detroit for the Sweet 16, and Flight Radar shows a plane from GEG to DTW landed at 7:25 p.m., around the time this photo was posted.
This is a wild tweet https://t.co/dzW0IR8A5g— Maxwell White (@MaxWhiteWXYZ) March 28, 2024
FlightAware data shows the flight took off from Spokane International Airport on Wednesday at 1:05 p.m. PDT and arrived at Detroit Metropolitan Airport at 7:26 p.m. EDT.
Gonzaga's basketball team also posted photos on X, formerly known as Twitter, shortly before taking off from Spokane.
Wheels up to the Motor City ✈️ pic.twitter.com/CMnxblJC5k
— Gonzaga Basketball (@ZagMBB) March 27, 2024
California Rep. Eric Swalwell (D) called for Maddock to resign for his "spectacular stupidity."
Hey Einstein, your state is hosting the Sweet 16. Could it be a team bus? If it is, will you resign for your spectacular stupidity? https://t.co/CRPyDDSOPJ
— Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) March 28, 2024
Gonzaga (5) faces Purdue (1) in the Sweet 16 on Friday, March 29 at 4:39 p.m. PDT.
MORE FOX 13 SEATTLE TOP STORIES
Utah experienced 'racial hate crimes' during NCAA Tournament
Stanford hires WSU basketball coach Kyle Smith
UW hires Danny Sprinkle as new head basketball coach
Pac-12 finalizes financial agreement with 10 departing members
Washington hires WSU's Pat Chun as athletic director
To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX 13 Seattle newsletter.
