 CNN commentator and former Chicago radio host Roland Martin offended gays with a series of Twitter remarks during the Super Bowl on Sunday, and the news network suspended him Tuesday, calling his tweets "regrettable and offensive.” (Frederick M. Brown, Getty Images /February 12, 2009) |
Days after the Super Bowl, Roland Martin has suffered a late hit.
The CNN commentator and former Chicago radio host offended gays with a series of Twitter remarks during Sunday's game, and the news network announced his suspension Wednesday.
"Roland Martin's tweets were regrettable and offensive," CNN said. "Language that demeans is inconsistent with the values and culture of our organization, and is not tolerated. We have been giving careful consideration to this matter, and Roland will not be appearing on our air for the time being."
Martin, former editor of the Chicago Defender newspaper and ex-host on Chicago's WVON-AM 1690, tweeted about British soccer player David Beckham's new underwear ad and about a New England Patriots player wearing a pink suit:
• "If a dude at your Super Bowl party is hyped about David Beckham's H&M underwear ad, smack the ish out of him! #superbowl"
• "Who the hell was that New England Patriot they just showed in a head to toe pink suit? Oh, he needs a visit from #teamwhipdatass"
The remarks provoked protests by the gay and lesbian activist group GLAAD, which said Martin was advocating violence against gays.
Reacting to the uproar Monday, Martin wrote: "My joking about smacking someone, whether it was in response to a commercial or food they prepare for a Super Bowl party or wearing an opposing team's jersey, was stated in jest. It was not meant literally, and in no way would I ever condone someone doing such a thing."
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