CLEVELAND — Tony Grossi has been suspended after apparently calling Baker Mayfield a “f***ing midget” during a show on ESPN Cleveland WKNR.
Grossi made the comment while the mics were still hot during a discussion about NFL quarterbacks, according to bustedcoverage.com.
Good Karma Brands issued a statement Tuesday about the incident.
“The term Tony used is a derogatory slur to describe Little People. Good Karma Brands will not tolerate derogatory language that demeans others or groups of people,” the company said Tuesday in a media release.
“We are addressing this matter with Tony directly, and while we normally do not comment on personnel matters, we do want to share that we have made the decision to immediately and indefinitely suspend Tony Grossi. In addition, we will pursue sensitivity and inclusion training for everyone on our content teams across our company,” Good Karma Brands stated.
According to the company, Tony Grossi has been indefinitely suspended.
"From Good Karma Brands, to our fans, our partners, the Browns and Baker Mayfield – we are sorry."
Tuesday afternoon, Grossi issued an apology on Twitter stating that there is "no excuse for using that language in any context. It was said without malice but also without thought."
You can read Grossi's full apology below:
"I am truly sorry for my language and choice of words in a remark I made about Baker Mayfield that was captured on our live feed on TheLandOnDemand.
I sincerely apologize for using a word that is a derogatory slur.
There's no excuse for using that language in any context. It was said without malice but also without thought.
It is well known that Baker and I have had our differences, and in the course of this experience, I've had to question my role in the erosion of the relationship. I have always endeavored to report and comment on him and the team fairly, and am shaken by these events.
I will strive to be a better person and professional.
I apologize to little people, Good Karma Brands, the Cleveland Browns, Baker Mayfield, to our listeners and to anyone who was offended by my remark."
According to the NFL, Mayfield is 6 feet, 1 inch tall and weighs 215 pounds.
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