Chargers Suspend Announcer For Thursday's Game After Anti-Semitic Joke

Chargers announcer Hank Bauer apologized Tuesday afternoon for an anti-Semitic joke he made Sunday during San Diego's game against the 49ers.

Bauer made a contrite statement on Twitter just after 1 p.m., following a slew of critical social media comments about his joke:

Also Tuesday afternoon, the Chargers issued an announcement that Bauer would not be broadcasting Thursday night's preseason 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.
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.

Bauer ruffled more than a few feathers at the tail end of Sunday's game.
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In an exchange with on-air colleague Josh Lewin about people leaving the game early and abandoning their high-cost seats, Bauer said, according to a YouTube capture of the exchange: “But then again, you know how copper wire was invented? Somebody dropped a penny between Josh and his family member.”

He added: “I say that respectfully and endearingly, my partner.”

Bauer is of course referencing an anti-Semitic joke about the invention of copper wire coming after dropping a penny between two Jewish people.
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Following Bauer’s comments, many, including journalists and sports fans, took to Twitter to voice their opinion on the announcer's joke:

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