Sports
In 1983, ABC sports commentator Howard Cosell shocked the country during a Monday Night Football telecast when he referred to an African American player as a “little monkey.” Cosell had used the phrase before to refer to both white and black players who were smaller and quicker than others, but the backlash from this particular broadcast caused Cosell to resign from his position. Nearly a quarter-century later, controversial sports commentary has once again hit the news. But this most recent comment, made by radio personality Don Imus, has a much clearer intention than Cosell’s slip-up.
By
Anthony Francavilla
April 12, 2007