Boston sports radio host Tony Massarotti apologizes for racially ‘insensitive, ignorant and hurtful’ comments about black people sitting behind Michael Felger: ‘The last time you were around a couple of guys like that, they stole your car’
Boston sports radio host Tony Massarotti has apologized for his racially ‘insensitive, ignorant and hurtful’ remarks on air about two black men.
A former sportswriter for the Boston Herald and The Boston Globe, Massarotti had his microphone on for his radio talk show, Felger & Mazz, on 98.5 The Sports Hub when he asked his cohost, Michael Felger, who was working remotely – referring to two black men sitting behind him.
‘I wanna know now who the two guys behind you are,’ Massarotti asked Felger, who was co-hosting the show from a hotel in New Orleans, according to WCVB.
‘They can’t hear us, right? OK, so I would be careful if I were you. Because the last time you were around a couple of guys like that, they stole your car.’
Massarotti faced backlash from show listeners in New England, for his comments, though it remains unknown if he will face discipline from 98.5 The Sports Hub.
Boston sports writer Tony Massarotti (left) made a racially insensitive joke to Michael Felger (C)
Two days later, Massarotti publicly apologized for ‘ignorant’ and ‘hurtful’ remarks on air
He later clarified that he was only trying to ‘poke fun’ at Felger, who reportedly had his car stolen in New Orleans in the fall.
The local media personality also admitted to taking his joke too far and that it ‘hurts the case’ of those who advocate for racial and social equality.
‘Late in the show on Friday, I made some comments that angered and upset some people, and rightfully so,’ Massarotti said. ‘I wish I could take them back. I can’t.’
‘So I owe everyone an apology. It’s not who I am. It’s not who we are. I can tell you that until I’m blue in the face – those of you who know me will believe it.’
Massarotti also described his comment as ‘ignorant’ and was visibly shaken when expressing his regrets over the mic.
He also apologized for involving those in his show’s production in the controversy.
Massarotti has mostly covered the Boston Red Sox throughout his career in sports writing.
The 55-year-old also served as a color commentator for the ball club during their 2022 season.
Massarotti was a sports columnist for both of Boston’s biggest papers: The Globe & The Herald
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