Owners of the Ronan McDonald’s claimed there was an “unfortunate misunderstanding” when an employee of their restaurant was caught on video refusing service to the Browning High School wrestling team on Thursday, Jan. 15.

The team was headed to Missoula to attend the annual Rocky Mountain Classic Jug Beck wrestling tournament. When stopping for food, the wrestling team was refused service.

A short video posted to Facebook the night of Jan. 15 showed an employee of the Ronan McDonald’s telling what was identified as the Browning wrestling team that they are not allowed to serve Browning High School.

“Browning School is not allowed,” the employee in the video said. “We’re not allowed to serve you guys.”

The employee then apologized as the team left. Multiple members of the wrestling team sounded disgruntled, with one member of the team even stating it’s because they “don’t like Indians here.”

In a statement, the Ronan McDonald’s owners, Chris and Melissa Crawshaw, claimed this incident was a mistake. The statement also said that they have addressed this incident with their staff and have personally reached out to Browning High School to make amends.

"Let me be clear: Everyone is welcome in our restaurant. We’re honored to serve the Ronan community and look forward to welcoming all students at any time," the Crawshaws stated in an email to the Leader.

In an initial statement from Browning Public Schools, Superintendent Rebecca Rappold laid out what had happened and said that the students were fed later at a different establishment. She also said that an investigation into the matter is now ongoing.

“(Browning Public Schools) would like to reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that our students are treated with dignity and respect while traveling with Browning Public Schools,” Rappold wrote in a statement posted to the school district’s Facebook page. “This incident is being fully investigated, and appropriate steps will be taken, including legal steps, if necessary. We appreciate the support of our community and remain committed to advocating for our students and upholding the values of Browning Public Schools.”

After Rappold's first statement, she sent out a second statement thanking the Ronan community for its kindness after the incident. This included a hospitality suite set up for all athletes attending the Browning versus Ronan basketball doubleheader and multiple Ronan businesses offering discounts for the athletes.

"Your kindness, generosity, and willingness to help exemplify the true spirit of community and sportsmanship. We are deeply appreciative of the care and concern shown for our students, and it means a great deal to our athletes, families, and staff," Rappold said in a more recent statement available on Facebook.