It was announced on Tuesday that ESPN Cleveland radio reporter Tony Grossi has been fired for using a derogatory term when describing Cleveland Browns quarterback, Baker Mayfield, the station announced Tuesday.
In audio obtained from the NFL Scouting Combine, Grossi can be heard referring to Mayfield as “a f–king midget.” The term “midget,” is considered a derogatory term typically associated with those who have dwarfism.
In a 2015 statement, the Little People of America stated what they would like to be called as opposed to “midget.”
“The dwarfism community has voiced that they prefer to be referred to as dwarfs, little people, people of short stature or having dwarfism, or simply, and most preferably, by their given name.”⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Grossi was embroiled in a rant about the Brown’s decision to acquire Mayfield, when he said, “Carson Wentz, Deshaun Watson, Patrick Mahomes and now Joe Burrow. And who do we got? A f——- midget.” he berated, even though Mayfield is 6’ 1, just an inch shorter than Watson and only two inches shorter than Mahomes.
The animosity amongst the two has been brewing for quite some time now. During the 2019 season, Mayfield abruptly left a press event after being asked a question by Grossi. The 24-year-old referred to Grossi’s question as “the dumbest question you could ask.”
Grossi has since issued an apology for his derogatory comments.
“There’s no excuse for using that language in any context. It was said without malice but also without thought.”
— Tony Grossi (@TonyGrossi) February 25, 2020
