• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer
Larry Brown Sports

Larry Brown Sports

Brown Bag it, Baby

  • Home
  • Blog View
  • NFL
  • NCAAF
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • Media
  • Headlines
  • Podcast
Policing the MediaMike Greenberg

ESPN Buries Mike Greenberg Martin Luther Coon Slipup Story, Apology

January 19, 2010 by Larry Brown • Comments
FacebookTweetLinkedInRedditThreadsWhatsAppEmail

ESPN First Take host Dana Jacobson was suspended a week for saying “F*** Notre Dame, F*** touchdown Jesus,” at a roast. ESPN writer Jemele Hill was suspended for comparing the Celtics to Adolf Hitler. Mike and Mike host and big-time ESPN personality Mike Greenberg made a slip up on Martin Luther King Jr. Day where he said “Martin Luther Coon King Jr. …” and all he did was issue a statement apology later in the day and nothing happened? And ESPN buried it on some PR page of the site that nobody ever visits? I think the issue and the apology deserves more prominent placement than it received considering the sensitive matter of the subject.

As someone who broadcasts on the radio, I am quite familiar with slip-ups and screw-ups. I make them all the time and I know exactly what it’s like to jumble words. Even knowing that, I still don’t understand how such a polished sportscaster like Mike Greenberg made that mistake unless he had that derogatory term in his head to begin with. I think it’s wrong that ESPN hasn’t done more to address this “slipup.” If one doesn’t understand the significance of this mistake, maybe you should swap the “M” in Mike’s name for a “K” and then let me know how you feel. I guess Greenberg has built up so much credibility as a respectful, considerate guy that people give him the benefit of the doubt. I normally would but I can’t because I think this is too inexplicable of a mistake to overlook.

  • i want more great stories!

Sign up today for free and get the best sports content sent to your inbox.

You can unsubscribe anytime. For more details, review our Privacy Policy.

.

Follow Us

Get instantly notified of the most viral news stories via Google!

  • Trending stories

Caitlin Clark hit in the neck

Alyssa Thomas says she has gotten death threats, slurs over Caitlin Clark incident

4 days ago
Walker Kessler points

Lakers land star big man in blockbuster trade with Jazz

4 days ago
Anthony Davis in a Mavericks uniform

Update emerges on the Anthony Davis-Jimmy Butler trade possibility

5 days ago
Zaire Wade warming up

Dwyane Wade’s son Zaire arrested on a felony domestic violence charge

June 26, 2026
Phil Mickelson in golf gear

Ex-wife of Pat Perez accuses Phil Mickelson of lewd behavior

June 27, 2026

Sidebar


  • don’t miss these

Skip Bayless delivers a take

Skip Bayless receives backlash over post about shooting at NFL offices

July 29, 2025
Bobby Jenks throwing a pitch

ESPN blasted over social media post about death of Bobby Jenks

July 6, 2025
A quarterback takes a snap in a UFL game

ESPN criticized for cutting off end of thrilling UFL game

May 18, 2025
Tony Massarotti during an interview

Boston radio host under fire for seemingly unintentional use of racial slur

October 17, 2024 (Updated: February 11, 2025)
Kendrick Perkins in a blazer

Kendrick Perkins roasted over big blunder while criticizing Celtics

May 30, 2024 (Updated: February 11, 2025)
Fred Toucher on the air

Boston radio host Fred Toucher criticized for mocking Bill Walton after death

May 28, 2024 (Updated: February 11, 2025)
  • popular stories

LeBron James looks on

Report: LeBron James sweepstakes are down to 2 teams

Kawhi Leonard holds a ball

Kawhi Leonard reportedly has interest in 1 new team

Sophie Cunningham looks on

Sophie Cunningham explains her famous pointing meme

Kawhi Leonard in a warmup shirt

Raptors’ trade offer for Kawhi Leonard has been revealed

Jimmy Butler in a Warriors jersey

Jimmy Butler had 1-word response about potential return to Heat

LeBron James in a Lakers jersey

Update emerges on rumors linking LeBron James to the Heat

Get the App

© 2026 · LB Sports Media Group Inc · Powered by Springwire.ai

  • X
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • RSS Feed
  • About Larry Brown Sports
  • Contact
  • Editorial Process
  • Staff Writers
  • Privacy Policy
Dedicated to the memory of Nevil Vega
Team/Player Stats