(WATCH) Sports Broadcaster Fired For Making Offensive Joke Targeting Antifa (VIDEO)
Mark Martello, the play-by-play announcer for the Montana State vs. Portland women’s basketball game, is speaking out after being fired for making a joke about Antifa while discussing the game earlier this month.
The remark referenced increased crime rates and how individuals are facing little to no repercussions “after a riot.”
Commentating on a game on January 22nd, the Montana announcer made a reference to the South Side of Chicago.
The next day, Portland sports journalist Joe Terry said, “Getting word that the MSU announcer for the game was let go.”
Made a reference to Portland being like the Southside of Chicago earlier in the game.
Seems an odd place to fire off political tales but here we are.
— Joe Terry (@joseph_terry) January 22, 2022
Speaking with 406mtsports.com, Martello said, “I am taking responsibility for what came out of my mouth. I will miss the team and coaches. There will be no apology, no one was harmed.”
While the Montana school made no official comment, Martello was taken off the broadcasting team. Portland state’s athletic department called Martleoo’s comments “inaccurate and inappropriate,” and was pleased that Montana State removed him.
The following were Martello’s comments:
“Ogele, from Saint Ignatius College in Chicago, which is South Side, you’ve heard of. Portland not much different, I don’t think, these days.”
“Evidently, Cats are up 19. Portland can get away with whatever they’re going to get away with. Portland’s like Antifa after a riot. They might go to jail, but they get out right away. They can get away with it. Uh-oh I shouldn’t say stuff like that, I’m sorry”
Martello later expressed his dissatisfaction with the double standard that applied to what he could and could not say on the air. He said:
“This is part of the world we live in, a big reason why I hate Social Media. Dumb thing to say maybe, but firing me represents MONTANA values? I think not. MSU promotes Portland values, in Montana. Kneeling is fine, political warm-ups are no problem, but some radio yahoo making wise cracks is a capital offense. Everything I said was true. I guess the truth hurts.”
Responding to The Post Millenial, Martello said: “As a taxpaying citizen of Montana, I am deeply offended that my tax money goes to institutions that defend terrorism. As a sportscaster, I say lighten up, it was a joke. Thanks for speaking the truth about PSU. I am a PSU grad and a retired Portland police Sgt. I agree with your comments regarding Portland It is a sewer now, and was a clean, beautiful city 30 years ago.”
Stay tuned to The Scoop for any updates.
