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