When you're on the air for 16 years, you're bound to say something that'll land you in hot water. That's what happened last week when San Diego Chargers color commentator Hank Bauer dropped a very questionable joke towards his play-by-play guy Josh Lewin. If you don't have audio, here's the joke (which occurred after Lewin, who is Jewish, said he'd stay in his seat due to high ticket prices after observing fans leaving the preseason contest): "But then again you know how copper wire was invented? Somebody dropped a penny between Josh and his family member," after a brief pause Bauer followed with "I say that respectfully and endearingly, my partner."
Later, Bauer apologized (presumably after Lewin said "Jesus, man." during the final commercial break). Still, consequences were handed down for the accidental anti-semitism and the Chargers organization said that (per Clear Channel's request) Bauer would be suspended for the final preseason game (how that's a punishment, we don't know). Bauer will return in time for the Chargers' opening kickoff to start the regular season, whether he'll be on a seven-second delay, is unclear.
[via UT San Diego]
