Hank Bauer, a longtime broadcaster for San Diego Chargers games, has been suspended after making an anti-Semitic comment on the air last week.
After Bauer’s on-air partner Josh Lewin said at the end of last week’s game that he wouldn’t leave a game early if he had paid for the ticket, Bauer made a joke implying that Lewin is cheap because he’s Jewish.
As a result, Bauer is suspended for this week’s preseason finale. The Chargers issued a statement saying it was the broadcaster Clear Channel, not the team, that suspended Bauer.
“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 and Hank when he returns to the booth for the regular season.”
Bauer apologized on Twitter.
“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 negative interpretation, please know it was never my intention to offend any of my listeners. I hope you accept my apology,” Bauer wrote.
Bauer was a running back for the Chargers from 1977 to 1982, spent four seasons with the team as an assistant coach and has been broadcasting in San Diego for 27 years.
Photo via KGTV.