ESPN Suspends Bob Ryan for Calling Mark Jackson a 'Bible-Pounding Phony'
The ESPN network has temporarily suspended sports commentator Bob Ryan for comments he made describing former Golden State Warriors head coach Mark Jackson as a "Bible-pounding phony."
Ryan, who was formerly a sportswriter for the Boston Globe and who now serves as a panelist on ESPN's "Around the Horn," was suspended earlier this month after he referred to Jackson as a "Bible-pounding phony" and a "con man."
Jackson, a former NBA player and Golden State Warriors coach, was the focus of a 2012 scandal in which an exotic dancer tried to extort money from him after the two had an extramarital affair and exchanged nude photos.The NBA coach eventually went to the FBI after the extortion plot continued.
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The former NBA coach is also an outspoken Christian who serves as pastor of The Love Worship Center International in Reseda, California.
During a Jan. 6 airing of the "The Dan Le Batard Show With Stugotz," Ryan said that in reference to the Warriors' playing ability, "I know if they had a real coach, not some phony, Bible-pounding phony that Mark Jackson is, when he isn't even a legitimate Bible pounder, I know that they'll be better off."
When asked to elaborate on his comments, Ryan added: "Well, I'm sorry, but it's the truth. And I can't believe they took him back on that broadcast. Oh my God. He's a con man, and he's done very well at it. I'll give him credit for being a great one."
ESPN then released a statement two days later acknowledging Ryan's comments.
"Bob's comments were inappropriate and personal. We have addressed it with him. He recognizes he was wrong," the statement read.
Ryan apologized for his comments this week, telling The Big Lead that he had an "intemperate, foolish outburst that I regret. I was treated very nicely by the company, and have told them that I will not do anything like this again to be out of their good graces."
When it was revealed in 2012 that Jackson, who serves as a frequent commentator on ESPN, had been involved in an extramarital affair, he released a statement saying he was "embarrassed" and apologetic.
"I recognize the extremely poor judgment that I used both in having an affair six years ago – including the embarrassing communication I exhibited during that time — and in attempting to deal with the extortion scheme at first by myself," Jackson said in the statement. "I made some egregious errors. I apologize for any embarrassment I may have caused my family, friends and, of course, the Warriors."
"At that time in my life, I was not pastoring. Three years ago, my wife and I established a ministry," Jackson added. "With deepest regret, I want to apologize to my church family. I was wrong. We must live holy."
