Posted on 02/21/2023 1:44:19 PM PST by nickcarraway
The co-host of one of the most popular sports talk radio shows in the Boston market is being suspended without pay for the rest of the week, one day after he apologized for racially insensitive remarks he made on the air.
Tony Massarotti of 98.5 The Sports Hub's "Felger & Mazz" afternoon program made an emotional on-air apology Monday afternoon for the comments he made on Friday.
Massarotti's suspension was announced at the start of Tuesday's program by his "Felger & Mazz" co-host, Michael Felger, who read a statement prepared by Beasley Media Group, which owns 98.5 The Sports Hub.
"Because Beasley Media strives to create a diverse and inclusive workplace, and these comments went against core values, the company has decided to suspend Tony for the rest of the week without pay," Felger said Tuesday. "In addition, all of our on-air personalities at Beasley Boston will be taking sensitivity training to redouble our efforts to create a culture of understanding."
During Friday's show, Felger was joining the broadcast remotely from a New Orleans hotel. Late in the show, Massarotti suggested that Felger should keep an eye on two Black people who were sitting behind him in a hotel business center, warning him that they might steal his car.
The remark was in reference to an incident in which Felger had his car stolen when he was in New Orleans in the fall, but Massarotti acknowledged at the start of Monday's show that it "came off as something far broader and ignorant."
"I made some comments that angered and upset some people, and rightfully so. I wish I could take them back. I can't," Massarotti said. "They were insensitive. They were hurtful. Frankly, they hurt the cause for those of us who believe in racial and social equality and all of those things, and I do.
"I owe everyone an apology. It's not who I am. It's not who we are," he added. "I can tell you that until I'm blue in the face. Those of you who know me will believe it, those of you who don't won't — and you probably shouldn't. If I saw and heard what you did, I'd feel the same way and you have a right to be upset."
Felger said he also bears some responsibility for the situation Massarotti found himself in.
"I knew it was wrong the moment it went out and I could have stopped the show," Felger said. "I could have stopped it and corrected it, and I didn't in real time."
In addition to 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group owns the following Boston radio stations: 105.7 WROR, Country 102.5, Hot 96.9, Rock 92.9 and WRCA-AM 1330.
If this was Biden….
I reside just a half hour’s drive from New Orleans, I avoid it entirely. The place is out of control and I see no realistic way for it ever to rebound to any degree. The comment made is not an insult but a sad commentary on the crime and lack of consistent law enforcement. It is run by incompetent people and a shrinking police force. (No one wants to join the New Orleans department) It is like this in all metropolitan areas with demographic and political similarities.
And you know so f’ing much about that, I’m sure.
Felger & Mazz are BIG liberals. They are being hounded by their own people.
Difficult for me to have much empathy.
They have excoriated conservative-leaning callers to their show when contentious political issues around race & sports have popped up.
I’ve known a lot of Red Sox fans in my day, so yeah kind of. C’mon, have a sense of humor about it.
Groupspeak is getting pretty strong. How dare anyone say anything offensive.
In today’s world, the truth hurts..., the truthteller.
New Orleans is alright if you stick to the music festivals (not Mardi Gras), then get the heck out. As long as there’s a good band playing, everyone still seems to get along alright. Beyond that, not so much.
I give up. What were his comments?
” racially insensitive “
Lighten up Francis.
Meanwhile the entire democrat party and their talking heads spew the most disgusting racist hate toward their political enemies constantly.
But was he wrong? Was he wrong?
}:-)4
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