Terry Bradshaw expressed remorse for a joke he made on Sunday while reading a halftime highlight of Reggie Bush scoring a touchdown.
Bradshaw was describing a highlight of the Dolphins running back scoring against the Colts when he said to co-host Jimmy Johnson, “look at this Jimmy, like he was chasing that bucket of chicken that the wind was blowing the other day.”
“Oh boy,” host Curt Menefee groaned in response.
“I’m glad you said it to Jimmy and not me,” Strahan playfully said to Bradshaw. “We’re going to ship [Bradshaw] out of here.”
“I’m dying, I’m playing hurt,” said Bradshaw, who complained earlier in the day that he wasn’t feeling well.
The “bucket of chicken” joke was noted and criticized by many websites Sunday and Monday. Bradshaw told USA Today Sports’ Michael Hiestand that his joke was intended for Jimmy Johnson, not Reggie Bush, and he offered the following apology.
“I can’t defend myself,” says Bradshaw. “I’ve never been in a situation like this. I don’t know how to react, except to apologize for something I didn’t know I said. I’ve been upset today. It’s not me. I’m shocked.”
Bradshaw listened to his comment on Monday and couldn’t believe he said it. He also explained that he likes to involve his co-hosts when he’s reading highlights.
So far, he’s received full support from FOX. Two spokesmen told USA Today Sports that the joke was intended for Johnson and that Bradshaw would not be penalized for it.
Host Curt Menefee defended Bradshaw’s joke multiple times over Twitter on Monday, saying the comment was an inside joke intended for Johnson, who is known for eating fried chicken.
Johnson also vouched for Bradshaw:
For all those “chicken” comments..TB kids ME about how much I like chicken.. He was referring to me!
— Jimmy Johnson (@JimmyJohnson) November 5, 2012
Terry Bradshaw was referring to me about “chicken”..I eat 4 pieces on the set every Sunday! Now I’m in trouble with my wife
— Jimmy Johnson (@JimmyJohnson) November 5, 2012
It seems like Bradshaw understands why making a fried chicken joke about a black NFL player is a bad idea given the stereotype it perpetuates, so the question is whether or not you believe everyone who says the crack was intended for Jimmy Johnson.
Is it possible that he misspoke and that he meant the line to go to Jimmy and not Reggie? That’s up to you to decide. I just know the line sounded so bad it makes the explanation difficult to believe.
