The San Diego Chargers have announced the suspension of announcer Hank Bauer for their final preseason game. According to the San Diego Union Tribune, Bauer will sit out due to anti-semitic remarks he made while attempting to joke during the Chargers loss to the San Francisco 49ers over the weekend.
“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.”
In a conversation about the high price of football tickets, Bauer interjected a quip about how copper wire was invented. He said, “Somebody dropped a penny” between his broadcast partner, Josh Lewin, and one of Lewin’s family members.
Bauer took to Twitter to offer an apology for what he called a poor choice of words.
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
