Chargers announcer Hank Bauer suspended for Jewish joke (Audio)
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.”
