Dodgers retain Lyons after network dismissal

[oberliner]

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Fired Fox announcer Steve Lyons got backing on two fronts Tuesday: He can keep his part-time job with the Los Angeles Dodgers if he completes diversity training, and Lou Piniella came to his defense.

Lyons was fired over the weekend for making a racially insensitive comment while on the air with Piniella during the AL championship series.

"There isn't a racist bone in his body. Not one," Piniella said after being introduced as manager of the Chicago Cubs. "I've known the guy personally. He was kidding with me, nothing more and nothing less."

Piniella called Lyons' firing "an unfortunate thing."

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/2006-10-18-lyons-dodgers_x.htm?csp=34

[_testify_]

1. His 'racially insensitive' comment

was along the lines of claiming he needed to keep a close eye on his wallet when he found out Piniella could speak Spanish. :puke:

And just because Lou Piniella wasn't offended doesn't make it okay.

[soothsayer]

4. I've listened to his comment several times and can't make heads

or tails of it. Lou Piniella starts out talking about his own lost wallet, and then later this dude tries to make some joke that just plain old doesn't come off.

[zonkers]

2. It's not so much being racist, it's being senstitive enough to realize

that some remarks can result in the reenforcement of negative stereptypes... as well as be perceived as racist by others. These remarks are fine among your friends but when you are broadcasting to millions, it is inappropriate.

[cboy4]

3. No wonder Piniella defends bigots...Look who he voted for:

PINIELLA, LOUIS V MR.
TAMPA, FL 33613
T.B. DEVIL RAYS/MANAGER

BUSH, GEORGE W (R)
President
BUSH-CHENEY '04 (PRIMARY) INC

$2,000
primary 12/02/03 :puke: