As you may have read elsewhere, CBS’s broadcast of last week’s Titans/Jags game produced one of the most delightfully racist sportscaster comments in recent years.  Gus Johnson, commenting on a 52-yard gain by standout running back Chris Johnson, gleefully noted that Johnson was using his “Gettin’ away from the cops” speed.  Johnson subsequently issued the standard “I’m sorry if you’re so stupid that you were offended” type apology.  Pure gold.

I don’t know if it’s the excitement about the action on the field or the low-fiber diets, but the fact is that sportscasters love to put their respective feet in their respective mouths.  Let’s look at some of the more notorious examples from recent years.  Innocent homespun reverie or public airing of deeply-held prejudices?  You be the judge.

1.     The Setting: Buffalo Bills at Houston Oilers (January 8, 1989)

The Announcer: A clearly inebriated Pat Summerall, commenting on a pounding 11-yard gain by Thurman Thomas:

The Offending Comment: “That’s date-rape-style penetration right there.”

The Fall-out:  Production assistant fired.

2.     The Setting: New York Mets at Pittsburgh Pirates (July 9, 2003)

The Announcer: Steve Phillips, commenting on trade rumours swirling around the Mets:

The Offending Comment: “I’d love to see a wetback at shortstop for the Mets.  Those little spics have great reflexes.’

The Fall-out:  Harry Caray rolls over in grave, gives thumbs up.

3.     The Setting: St. Louis Cardinals at Washington Nationals (May 12, 2008)

The Announcer:  Steve Phillips (again), freestyling.

The Offending Comment:  “And here comes Elijah Dukes into left field on a defensive substitution for Adam Dunn.  Wow, it’s a veritable Dark Continent out there in the outfield, isn’t it?”

The Fall-Out:  Sound editor instructed to mute out comments from Phillips for final 5 innings of broadcast.

4.     The Setting: Dallas Mavericks at Milwaukee Bucks (April 2, 2003) 

The Announcer: Charles Barkley, commenting on a blocking fould by Shawn Bradley

The Offending Comment: “I just love watching white dudes like Shawn Bradley try to play basketball.  It’s cute, like watching a young girl give her first blowjob.”

5.     The Setting: L.A. Dodgers at Chicago White Sox (June 27, 2005)

The Announcer: Vin Scully

The Offending Comment: “You gotta love Jim Thome.  That hillbilly son-of-a-bitch would diddle a crocodile before he’d take a pitch on a 3-0 count.”

The Fall-out:  Increased reverence for Vin Scully

6.     The Setting: UFC 86 (March 13, 2008)

The Announcer: NewsRadio star and fan favourite, Joe Rogan

The Offending Comment: “And St-Pierre continues with a flurry of punches to Serra’s face while Serra sits helplessly pinned beneath.  Man, the homoerotic tension in this place is palpable.”

The Fall-out:  Awkward glances toward fellow pay-per-view viewers.

7.     The Setting: Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts (January 12, 2008)

The Announcer:  Ron Jaworski

The Offending Comment:  “Summoning every once of tard-strength in his body, Jones-Drew just gets inside the 10.  First down, Jacksonville!”

The Fall-out:  A chastened Jaworski issues official apology to American Retard Association.

*My heartfelt apologies to my wife and any other members of my family who might have stumbled upon this post and were offended by the content.