Former Washington Redskins defensive end Dexter Manley was banned from appearing on WTOP radio on Monday morning after he used a homophobic slur to describe Troy Aikman. According to Dan Steinberg of DC Sports Bog, Manley was discussing the Redskins’ loss to the Denver Broncos and making light-hearted comments about his former team getting torched by Peyton Manning. He should have left it at that.
Instead, Manley crossed the line when a host asked him if he thought Aikman, who was calling the game for FOX, jinxed Washington.
“I think Troy Aikman’s a queer,” Manley said.
Hosts Mike Moss and Bruce Alan instantly tried to steer Manley clear of that topic with a “we don’t want to go there.”
“I’m sorry about that,” Manley said while laughing uncomfortably. “I take that back. I apologize.”
Deadspin shared the audio of Manley’s regrettable comment:
Shortly after the comment was made and went viral, WTOP newsroom director Jim Farley wrote on Twitter that everyone at the station is “shocked and stunned” and that Manley will not be returning for future appearances. Manley, who has often spoken on WTOP about how his brain surgeries have affected his life, was a frequent guest with a seemingly great sense of humor. The station released a statement addressing the situation.
“This morning in a live interview former Redskins player Dexter Manley made an offensive and derogatory comment. He was immediately challenged by WTOP news anchors Mike Moss and Bruce Alan. We were shocked and stunned and we apologize to our listeners that this happened on WTOP. WTOP has contacted a representative for Manley and informed her that he will not be returning.”
I’m sure Manley was just trying to make a joke, but it doesn’t matter. Homophobic language is not something people take lightly in the year 2013. The two-time Super Bowl champion has learned that the hard way.
UPDATE: Manley apologized for his comment in a letter to DC Sports Bog:
“In an interview with WTOP radio Monday, while intending to be funny, I used a slur to refer to Troy Aikman. It was wrong and insensitive. Anyone that knows me knows that’s not who I am in my heart or mind. I want to apologize to Troy, but I mostly want to apologize to anyone else I offended. Like a lot of people in these times, I have to realize that what I thought was funny years ago doesn’t work now. I’ll do my best to make sure it doesn’t happen again and hope you will accept my apology.”
