politicalcivility.com Blog

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.”