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ESPN = Every Sports Personality is a Nutjob

April 17, 2008 at 12:20 pm · Filed under Sports

This blog is about politics, but I’m also a sports nut and so when this came across the wire yesterday/today I about hit the roof and had to post something.

Some of you may have heard this story about Ric Bucher, but I’m just blown away that he could say something so asinine. If you insert another faith (muslims) for example or use a racial identifier (black, hispanic) instead of mormon he’d probably be losing his job.

Bucher’s quote:

“Let’s be honest: They’re Mormon, and they’re in Salt Lake, and there’s nothing else there. You gotta smile and be happy all the time. This might be one opportunity for fans to get vicious.”

Maybe ESPN should stand for Every Sports Personality is a Nutjob. ESPN should be ashamed to have such a commentator.

I’m probably overreacting so sorry for the diversion, but I needed to get that off my chest. Now back to solving the worlds problems.

[UPDATE]

Bucher has now issued an apology, which I appreciate:

“I apologize for my remarks. I knew immediately that I had made an inappropriate connection between Mormons and the harsh reception that opposing teams sometimes experience inside EnergySolutions Arena. I regret making that connection and apologize to anyone of the Mormon faith for having done so. The point I was trying to make is that the manner in which some Jazz fans get on visiting teams is counter to the general friendliness that the people of Salt Lake City are known for and have exhibited to me. I tried to revise my remarks later in the broadcast and remove any connection between that behavior and the Mormon faith, but I clearly did not go far enough. I hope that this apology will do that and that all citizens of Salt Lake City will find it in their hearts to welcome me as hospitably as they have in the past.”

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8 Comments »

The Utah Jazz | as seen by Basketball John » Blog Archive » Your Friday playoff links said,

April 18, 2008 @ 2:38 pm

[…] Bucher is an idiot. It’s kind of blown out of proportion. But it was still a moronic comment. […]
Steve said,

April 18, 2008 @ 8:07 pm

It was intended as a joke; something light-hearted. My business partner is Mormon. I seriously doubt he would have been offended. Lighten up.
Not You said,

April 18, 2008 @ 8:30 pm

[deleted by moderator]
Mormon boy said,

April 18, 2008 @ 9:37 pm

[deleted by moderator]
Mormon boy said,

April 18, 2008 @ 10:02 pm

[deleted by moderator]
Benjamin said,

April 19, 2008 @ 10:16 am

It’s kind of ironic that Mormon boy is exhibiting just the sort of binary behavior that Bucher describes. Heh.
nathan said,

April 20, 2008 @ 12:07 am

Mormon boy sounds too moronic to be true.
but bucher, or anybody, can’t really think all Jazz fans or even a percentage are like that.
there isnt another quality sports team in utah so they can really bottle everything up in the off season and let it loose.
Lyall said,

April 21, 2008 @ 10:37 am

steve,

i admited in the post that i was probably overreacting. i get that. but lighthearted or not, it was a dumb thing to say.

btw, look what being “lighthearted” got Mr. Imus.

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ESPN = Every Sports Personality is a Nutjob

8 Comments »

The Utah Jazz | as seen by Basketball John » Blog Archive » Your Friday playoff links said,

Steve said,

Not You said,

Mormon boy said,

Mormon boy said,

Benjamin said,

nathan said,

Lyall said,

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