Actually it was Howard Cosell who said of a black receiver 'look at that little monkey run' or words to that effect. He survived. Jimmy the Greek referenced slave-owners breeding practices which got him fired.
Your quote is correct. What saved Cosel was that Muhammad Ali came out and defended him, telling everyone that the remark was not meant in a racist way. It was good of Ali to do that.
I thought Jimmy the Greek said the blacks can’t/won’t swim. Who was it said that? Some sports guy I think.
People really should be a bit mindful of what they say, I mean, I like Gruden enough but why insult the guy’s looks? In an email?