On Monday, Sports Hub host Tony Massarotti apologized for what he called “insensitive” and “hurtful” comments he made during Friday’s “Felger & Mazz Show.”
On Friday, co-host Michael Viger was doing the show remotely from New Orleans, while Massarotti was in the Waltham studio. Behind Viger were two blacks.
“I want to know now who the two guys behind you are, that’s what I want to know. Because if I were you…” said Massarotti, as Villiger reassured them he’d be off the air in two minutes.
“They can’t hear us, can they?” Massarotti asked. “Well, so I’d be careful if I were you, because the last time I was around two guys like that, they stole your car.”
Massarotti was referring to an earlier story where Figer left his keys in his car during a trip to downtown New Orleans, and the car was stolen.
In the opening moments of Monday’s show, Massarotti apologized.
“Late in the show on Friday, I made some comments that pissed off and upset some people, and rightfully so,” he said. “I wish I could take them back. I can’t. They were insensitive. They were painful. And, frankly, they’re damaging to the cause of those of us who believe in racial and social equality and all that stuff. And neither do I. I’m on that side of the line, which is what made this thing so difficult.” in many different ways.
“So I owe everyone an apology,” he added. “Not who I am. Not who we are. I can tell you that until I’m blue in the face; those of you who know me will believe it. Those who don’t, won’t. And you probably shouldn’t. If I see and hear what you’ve done, I’ll feel I feel the same. And you have every right to be upset. The only thing I can really do is apologize for that.”
Massarotti said the suspension was initially intended as a shot at Felger.
“I meant, if anyone cared, to make fun of you, Mike,” he said. “It came across as something grosser and more ignorant. And I regret it.”
