Theo Wargo/Getty Images; NESNA Boston radio host has issued an apology to Fox Sports reporter Erin Andrews after calling her a "gutless bitch" on the air and joking she should "drop dead" due to comments she made in an interview with an MLB player during the 2014 All-Star Game.
Kirk Minihane of WEEI and NESN's Dennis and Callahan Show released a statement via WEEI.com on Wednesday, July 16, a day after the game and following criticism over his insulting remarks, including by Massachusetts' state attorney general, Martha Coakley.
"This morning on the radio I used a series of words to describe Erin Andrews' work at the All-Star Game," he said. "My choice of words was wrong; I was wrong to have used them."
"To all whom I offended—particularly Ms. Andrews—I apologize," he said. "There is no place for what was said. It was immature and completely uncalled for. I am often critical of media members and their work and recognize here that I've made the kind of mistake I would call out if it was done by another sportscaster or writer. Again, to all involved, I'm very sorry."
Andrews has not responded to his apology or his insults.
So what got Minihane so fired up?
The Fox Sports (and former ESPN) reporter and Dancing With the Stars co-host had talked to St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright about remarks he had made to reporters, in which he said he was going to throw a couple of "pipe shots," relatively easy-to-hit pitches, to soon-to-be-retired and celebrated New York Yankees star Derek Jeter at the All-Star Game, which was his last. Wainwright, who was slammed over the issue, later told Andrews he did not actually intend on "giving up hits."
She replied, "Well, we appreciate you clearing that up. Don't you love social media?"
On Wednesday, a day after the All-Star Game, the Dennis and Callahan Show (which caters to "immature audiences only," as stated jokingly on the program's website) played a clip from the interview.
"What a bitch!" Minihane said. "I hate her. What a gutless bitch! Seriously, go away. Drop dead."
Moments later, he backtracked himself (find out how).
Minihane will not be suspended or fired for his comments, according to Boston.com. The outlet quoted the vice president of Entercom Boston, WEEI's parent company, as saying that the host chose to issue the apology on his own and that "he's legitimately sorry for what he said and, more importantly, the way he said it."
Co-host Gerry Callahan also weighed in on the air, calling Andrews a "bubblehead" and a "bimbo." His co-host, John Dennis, took to Twitter and insulted the TV personality's looks.
Pretty sure it's time for @ErinAndrews to "DO" her roots before football season.
? John Dennis (@JohnDennisWEEI) July 16, 2014@GOAT78 don't find her in the least bit attractive. Eagle/Hawk nose and could never ever pass the fire hose test.
? John Dennis (@JohnDennisWEEI) July 16, 2014Neither radio host has apologized publicly.
Minihane also commented about the backlash on his Twitter page.
There is no defense for the language I used today to describe the work of Erin Andrews. I deserve all the criticism I've received.
? Kirk Minihane (@kirkmin) July 17, 2014