Former NFL offensive lineman and current Indianapolis sports radio host Joe Staysniak seemed less than sensitive to the social injustices African Americans face every day.
As the Black Lives Matter movement takes place nationwide, demanding equality after George Floyd was killed in Minneapolis last week, Staysniak suggested African American’s need to say, “I’m going to stop being a victim.” The comments were made during his Wednesday morning radio show, which he co-hosts alongside Jeff Rickard on WFNI ESPN 107.5/1070 The Fan, owned by Emmis Communications. Wednesday’s show podcast is not currently offered on the website, but Dana Hunsinger Benbow of the Indy Star transcribed some of the discussion.
“Don’t put yourself in a situation where police are called,” said Staysniak who’s father and brother were police officers.
“I can’t think of a single one (of my African American friends) that ever said he’s been targeted, just been pulled over because he’s black,” Staysniak said. “I’m not saying it doesn’t happen. I’m just saying it depends on who you talk to.”
Rickard pushed back and informed Staysniak of a statistic that says in some parts of Indiana, a black driver is six times more likely to get pulled over than a white driver.
“Is that racism or is that the time of day? Is that the car they’re driving? Are lights out? Are turn signals working?” Staysniak asked.
According to the Indy Star, Rickard reiterated the staggering number, “six times, Joe,” he told his co-host.
When a black caller joined the conversation to say he was hurt by the comments and believed Staysniak to be tone deaf, the former NFL player didn’t give in. “You’re denying anything,” Staysniak said. “You’re denying responsibility, denying anything that could be on your part that has to go toward making this better.”
Rickard again countered his co-host, offering support for African Americans. “The African American community feels that they have been unfairly targeted… feels like it’s been going on a long time,” Rickard said according to Benbow. “They feel it’s an extension of systemic racism and they want to be heard and I think it’s time we listen to them.”
Brandon Contes is a former reporter for BSM, now working for Awful Announcing. You can find him on Twitter @BrandonContes or reach him by email at Brandon.Contes@gmail.com.
Suspension is a start although those ignorant unfeeling comments might justify firing him.