I wasn’t listening to most of the portion of Monday’s “Mr. T Show” that got Ted Robinson in hot water. All I heard was the 49ers play-by-play announcer referring to Janay Palmer Rice’s decision to marry Ray Rice as “pathetic.” If you’re looking for a detailed account of what Robinson said (and he said a lot more insensitive things about the Rice situation), check out @LOLKNBR’s timeline and this account from 95.7 The Meme.
Here’s a sample:
KNBR does not make their shows available on the internet (just the interview portions). Brent Jones’ interview from later that afternoon is available. “You got to just be careful what you say,” Jones said to Robinson. “It becomes a touchy situation for people. I’m hoping it’s not one for the 49ers, and what happened to standing up for what’s right?.”
Several fans complained about Robinson to Jed York via Twitter, too.
Robinson also rankled several members of the San Francisco Chronicle when he called their coverage of the Ray McDonald domestic violence case “embarrassing.”
Here are two statements released by the 49ers:
Statement from San Francisco 49ers President Paraag Marathe:
“The comments made by radio broadcaster Ted Robinson on Monday were offensive and in no way reflect the views of the San Francisco 49ers organization. We have made the decision to suspend him for the next two games. I informed Ted of our decision earlier today, and we will continue to address this matter with him internally. Our organization stands strongly against domestic violence and will not tolerate comments such as these.”
Statement from Ted Robinson:
“I want to unconditionally apologize for my comments the other day. As a professional communicator, I am responsible for my words. My choice of words was careless and does not reflect my true feelings about domestic violence. I understand that the cycle of abuse keeps people in unhealthy relationships. No blame or responsibility for domestic violence should ever be placed on a victim.”
Robinson wasn’t nearly as contrite the day after making those statements.
Damon Bruce makes a good point here:
But if you’re Robinson, is Bruce the guy you’d choose to take up your cause?
Because Bruce is going to milk this story throughout his Thursday afternoon show. Book it.
Robinson was also suspended by the Pac-12 Network for two games.
Statement on Robinson from Pac-12 Net President Lydia Murphy-Stephans. He will also undergo sensitivity training. pic.twitter.com/0Cg30pLWv6
— Kyle Bonagura (@BonaguraESPN) September 11, 2014
