Anchor Apologizes For Dropping the N-Word
A few days ago, FTVLive told you that WIFR (Rockford) Anchor Andy Gannon appeared to drop the N-Word while doing a story on former Chicago White Sox great Minnie Miñoso being elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame.
After FTVLive posted the story, NAACP Rockford Branch President Rhonda Greer is demanded disciplinary action be taken.
Gannon apologized for what he said was a slip of the tongue. “I inadvertently and accidentally said a clearly offensive and derogatory word," Gannon said during a newscast at noon Monday. "It was a misspeak, but it was spoken. And for that, I sincerely apologize."
Gannon has not appeared on the morning broadcast since the incident and the station also issued an apology.
"A WIFR employee uttered a racial slur while referencing a player on The Negro Leagues during a newscast on Monday, Dec. 6, 2021. We have determined that the utterance was inadvertent. We apologize for the harm and distress that this incident caused our viewers.
"To be clear, WIFR and its parent company, Gray Television, finds any use of that word inappropriate, unacceptable and unprofessional. Appropriate action has been taken in response to this incident. Due to our company policy, we cannot make any further comment on this personnel matter."
The NAACP stopped short of calling for Gannon to be fired. Greer asked the station to place the morning news anchor on suspension.
It appears that is what has happened.