Sometimes I think that my buddy Dave and I should do another radio show (we did one together years ago). Our phone conversations are often air-worthy, filled with spontaneous bits. Even our wives call it the Rick and Dave show. But then I read a story like this and I remember why we could never do one again (Story from Tom Taylor's NOW column)...
Hank Bauer tells a joke, at the end of a San Diego Chargers pre-season game, and it earns him a one-game suspension. What did he say? According to ESPN, the radio analyst commented to play-by-play announcer Josh Lewin that many folks in the expensive seats had left, because the Chargers were clearly going to lose. Lewin said he would’ve stayed. Then Bauer told Lewin, who’s presumably Jewish, “You know how copper wire was invented? Somebody dropped a penny between Josh and his family member” – implying that both would’ve fought so hard over the coin that they'd stretch it out. That plays to a stereotype about Jews and money. Bauer added, “I say that respectfully and endearingly, my partner.” Both men work for Clear Channel. Yesterday, the Chargers said “although we know Hank had no ill-will behind his remarks, we agree the comments were inappropriate.” It says former NFL player Hank Bauer won’t be working tomorrow’s final pre-season game against the Arizona Cardinals - “per Clear Channel’s decision.”
If you've heard the Rick (German) and Dave (Jewish) show, you know that it could never air in the current climate. Although for the record, Dave is the one that would get us suspended. His "Nazis against the Cubs" bit is surely night-club only material these days.
