Shaun White apologizes for letting American flag drag on ground following gold medal win

Shaun White has apologized after footage of him dragging the American flag through the snow after his stunning victory in the men's halfpipe sparked outrage on Twitter.

After White clinched the gold medal in what will likely be the last Winter Olympics event of his career, he was immediately met with criticism on Twitter for allowing the flag to drag behind him while he was overcome by emotion.

"Congrats @shaunwhite - Now can you stop dragging our flag on the ground and stepping on it, please?" one man wrote. "Show some respect."

"Congrats to Shaun White for bringing home the gold in men’s halfpipe!" wrote another woman. "I know he’s excited and it was accidental, but I sure wish our flag wasn’t dragging on the ground in the midst of his celebration."

During a press conference following his gold medal win, White addressed some of the backlash surrounding the viral moment, explaining that he was simply overwhelmed and didn't mean any type of disrespect for the flag.

"I remember being handed the flag, but I was trying to put my gloves on and hold the flag and get the board," he said. "So honestly, if there was anything, I definitely didn’t mean any disrespect."

"The flag that’s flying on my house right now is way up there," he continued. "So sorry for that. But I’m definitely proud, very proud, to be a part of Team USA and being American and to be representing for everyone back home."

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