San Diego Chargers radio color commentator Hank Bauer was suspended from broadcasting the team’s final preseason game on Thursday after telling an anti-Semitic joke at the end of Sunday’s broadcast.
In the closing seconds of Sunday’s Chargers-49ers preseason game, Bauer, broadcasting on 105.3 KIOZ, cracked a Jewish joke about how copper was invented (drop a penny between two Jewish people).
“But then again you know how copper wire was invented? Somebody dropped a penny between Josh and his family member,” said Bauer. “I say that respectfully and endearingly, my partner.”
The joke was aimed at play-by-play voice Josh Lewin, a Jewish announcer, who commented about the crowd leaving early and said he would have stayed the whole game if he were a paying customer.
Bauer made the following apology on Twitter Tuesday:
I made a hurtful insinuation that I regret and I would like to express how sorry I am. My poor choice of words were unfortunately open for
— Hank Bauer (@hank_bauer) August 26, 2014
negative interpretation, please know it was never my intention to offend any of my listeners. I hope you accept my apology.
— Hank Bauer (@hank_bauer) August 26, 2014
The Chargers issued a statement in response and said it was Clear Channel, the broadcasting company, that decided to suspend Bauer for the game.
“Although we know Hank had no ill-will behind his remarks, we agree the comments were inappropriate. Per Clear Channel’s decision, Hank will not be broadcasting Thursday night’s game,” the statement said. “Hank has been a strong radio voice for the Chargers for the past 16 years and a passionate supporter of the team since his playing days. We look forward to Chargers fans receiving the same high-quality broadcast from Josh (Lewin) and Hank when he returns to the booth for the regular season.”
