Starting an anecdote by saying you’re about to channel Archie Bunker, a TV character who was considered a bigot in the 1970s, probably isn’t going to end well in 2020. For former Chicago Cubs All-Star and current broadcaster Mark Grace, it ended in an apology and a reported five-game suspension.
During the Cubs Saturday telecast on their new Marquee Sports Network, Grace offered a long-winded story where he repeatedly referred to his ex-wife as “dingbat” because she once used the parking space of former MLB commissioner Bud Selig.
“My ex-wife, I’m going to go Archie Bunker on you guys a little bit,” Grace began the story. “I called her the dingbat.”
In a statement released by the Chicago Tribune, Grace later apologized for the story and insulting his ex-wife.
“During today’s game I referred to my ex-wife in a way that I absolutely should not have,” said Grace. “I want everyone to know how very sorry I am about that. My remarks were offensive and inappropriate, and I deeply apologize.”
But according to Paul Sullivan of The Tribune, the apology wasn’t enough for Grace to avoid a suspension, as he’ll reportedly miss five Cubs telecasts because of the comments.
Grace is in his first season working as an analyst for the Cubs and their newly launched Marquee Sports Network. He’s also the second broadcaster to make news while discussing their ex-spouse while on-air this month.
During a Pelicans-Grizzlies game, ESPN’s Doris Burke said “I do like being right. Ask my ex-husband,” after correctly predicting a referee’s call. Burke’s comments were better received than Grace’s, but she still took time to apologize to her ex.
Joining Pablo Torre on ESPN Daily, Burke offered an update on how that conversation went. “I will tell you what my ex-husband said: ‘I have the utmost respect for Doris. She’s a great broadcaster and a better mom.’ And I said, ‘you’re a sweetheart. You could have had a little bit of fun and certainly had some fun at my expense,’ but he chose not to go in that direction and kudos to him.”
The two instances show you can discuss your ex on a sports broadcast, just use some semblance of respect in doing so.
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.
Lol.. This Really highlights the sad state of affairs we’re in as a society of hurt feelings and complainers. By definition Dingbat is as meaningless as gizmo. New York post writer claims there’s no room for terms like this in 2020. I disagree, there’s lots of room.