One week after taco talk got ESPN announcer Bob Griese suspended, another announcer is apologizing for a supposedly controversial remark.
CBS' Gus Johnson, well known for his, uh, emotional calls, called Chris Johnson's 59-yard touchdown against the Jaguars like so:
"First down and ten. Johnson . . . gets his shoulders square. Watch out! He's got getting away from the cops speed . . . touchdown!"
The call drew some criticism by some surprisingly sensitive souls in the blogosphere that wondered if a double standard was at play if Johnson didn't get in trouble. The broadcaster responded Tuesday.
"If there is a perception of racism in this analogy, it is not coming from me," Johnson said. "People of all races have run from the law. However, to those who are offended, I apologize."
Johnson's word choice may have been unfortunate -- although sorta funny -- but who is really offended by this? Delicate sports fans?
The argument seems to be that Johnson's words would have caused a bigger outrage if said by Jim Nantz, for instance. So what we're apparently looking for is more faux-outrage over silly comments to make things "fair." (Montoya, incidentally, later joked about Griese's comments.)
Gus Johnson chose his words wisely after the fact. Anyone perceiving race in his analogy is stretching for something pretty hard. It was a goofy comment made out of enthusiasm.
Anytime Chris Johnson and Gus Johnson get together, that should almost be expected.
11-05-2009, 01:23 PM
Gus Johnson was forced to apologize for THIS?
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