Clippers Announcers Suspended For Tonight's Game

Legendary Los Angeles Clipper broadcaster Ralph Lawler and partner Mike Smith have been suspended for tonight's game because of comments made during Wednesday's game against the Grizzlies. The exchange came as the two discussed Hamed Haddadi, the first Iranian born NBA player. The exchange is below:

Smith: “Look who’s in.”

Lawler: “Hamed Haddadi. Where’s he from?”

Smith: “He’s the first Iranian to play in the NBA.” (Smith pronounced Iranian as “Eye-ranian,” a pronunciation that offended the viewer who complained.)

Lawler: “There aren’t any Iranian players in the NBA,” repeating Smith’s mispronunciation.

Smith: “He’s the only one.”

Lawler: “He’s from Iran?”

Smith: “I guess so.”

Lawler: “That Iran?”

Smith: Yes.

Lawler: “The real Iran?”

Smith: “Yes.”

Lawler: “Wow. Haddadi – that’s H-A-D-D-A-D-I.”

Smith: “You’re sure it’s not Borat’s older brother?”

Smith: “If they ever make a movie about Haddadi, I’m going to get Sacha Baron Cohen to play the part.”

Lawler: “Here’s Haddadi. Nice little back-door pass. I guess those Iranians can pass the ball.”

Smith: “Especially the post players.

Lawler: “I don’t know about their guards.”

Really? First of all, for a viewer to be offend that Iran was pronounced (eye-ran) rather than the correct (ear-on) is one of the most ridiculous things I have heard in a long time. While I do not typically find it appropriate to tell someone else what they should be offended by, I have to call bs on this one. I suppose it is reasonable to think a person of Iranian descent could be offended by the Borat remarks, it is a stretch to consider it suspendable. Clearly Borat is a joke and no harm was meant by the comments. Ralph Lawler is the only classy, successful aspect of a joke of an organization. It is sad to see a fine broadcaster and all around guy like Lawler be disrespected by an organization who has worked so hard for. For the Clippers to not have his back, when he really should not need it in the first place, is just another embarrassment from the NBA's doormat. Here's to you Ralph Lawler, you deserve so much better.