Saturday September 30, 2023

Boston Sports Radio Host Suspended for “Insensitive” Comments

  • Tony Massarotti was suspended without pay this week.
  • All Beasley's Boston on-air talent will complete sensitivity training.
Tony Mazz
File Photo.
Front Office Sports Today

Donovan McNabb and the State of Football

From Taylor Swift to the Prime Effect, there's a lot going on in the world of football.
Listen Now
September 29, 2023 | Podcast
Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

Beasley Media Group has suspended sports radio personality Tony Massarotti for making a racist joke about Black Americans. 

Beasley has also mandated sensitivity training for all Boston-based employees at the company, which operates 62 radio properties, reaching 20 million listeners per week.

That’s the latest in a Boston sports radio controversy that’s been percolating since Friday when Massarotti made a racially insensitive joke on 98.5 The Sports Hub. 

Massarotti told “Felger and Mazz” co-host Mike Felger, who is white, he should be suspicious of two Black men sitting behind him since Felger’s car was stolen on a trip to New Orleans last November.

“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,” said Massarotti, cracking himself up.

After the comment spread on social media, Massarotti took to the airwaves Monday to apologize for his “insensitive and hurtful” comments.  

“I owe everyone an apology,” Massarotti said. “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. Those of you who don’t won’t, and you probably shouldn’t. If I saw and heard what you did, I would feel the same way. And you have a right to be upset.”

It wasn’t enough. 

Felger opened Tuesday’s show by announcing his co-host would be suspended without pay for the rest of the week.

Felger also read a memo from Beasley management stating: “Because Beasley Media strives to create a diverse and inclusive workplace, and these comments went against its core values, the company has decided to suspend Tony for the rest of the week without pay. 

“In addition, all of our on-air personalities at Beasley Boston will be taking sensitivity training to redouble our efforts to create a culture of understanding.”

Felger added he was sorry he didn’t do more to correct his partner at the moment. 

“I had a chance there – in a split second moment – to do something, and I guess I froze,” he admitted. “I feel bad about that.”

Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Mina Kimes of ESPN

Boston Radio Producer Suspended for Comment About Mina Kimes

A Boston producer uses racist slur about ESPN's Mina Kimes.

Cameo Brings Athletes and Fans Closer Together

With help from athletes like Caitlyn Jenner and Sloane Stephens, Cameo expects to generate $100 million in bookings in 2020.

Peacock Boosts Sports Lineup With Rich Eisen, Dan Patrick, Mike Florio

The new platform is continuing to expand its sports offerings – now with established talk shows rather than originals and live competitions.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Donovan McNabb and the State of Football

0:00
0:00

Featured Today

College football is taking over Saturday night.

How College Football’s Biggest Games Took Over Saturday Night

Network competition and West Coast storylines helped college football stage a coup.
September 29, 2023

Ryder Cup’s Future Hanging In The Balance Amid Saudi Disruption

An unexpected change could be coming to the Ryder Cup.
September 29, 2023

Colorado Has Become the Hollywood of College Football. This Weekend Proves It.

Folsom Field will welcome dozens of Hollywood stars on Saturday.
Toy Story
September 29, 2023

‘Toy Story’ Success Could Lead to More Disney-Branded NFL Kid-Casts

A successful ‘Toy Story’ game could open the door for other franchises.

Careers

Powered By

Careers in Sports

Looking for a new job? Check out these featured listings and search for openings all over the world.
Chicago Cubs
Chicago
Fanatics
New York
Tri Star Sports and Entertainment Group, Inc.
USA - Multiple Locations

ESPN, Tiger-Rory Golf League Close To Long-Term Deal

New entity backed by Woods, McIlroy nears critical agreement
September 28, 2023

ESPN Takes Next Step To Control Women’s College Basketball Rights

The WBIT will launch this season.
Jamie Erdahl and cast of NFL Network's "Good Morning Football."
September 28, 2023

Jamie Erdahl Reflects On Rapid Transition To Hosting ‘Good Morning Football'

Erdahl talked to FOS about her experience since taking over the morning show from longtime host Kay Adams in July 2022.
Taylor Swift at Chiefs vs. Bears game.
September 27, 2023

Taylor Swift NFL Hype Likely To Continue Another Week

Swift could drive blockbuster TV ratings for NBC's "Sunday Night Football."
Franchise expands broadcasting reach after reaching a deal with a local TV station.
September 27, 2023

Utah Jazz Launch Streaming Service Amid RSN Shakeup

An annual Jazz+ streaming pass will cost $125.50.
September 27, 2023

Will Sports Benefit From New Streaming Alliance?

Advocacy group involves many of sports streaming's largest players
Coach Prime bringing improved tv ratings.
September 26, 2023

Coach Prime's Colorado Changing College Football Viewing Habits

The excitement around Deion Sanders and Colorado is helping drive record September TV ratings for college football.
Chiefs-Bears was the most-watched NFL game on any network this week — averaging 24.3 million viewers on FOX.
September 26, 2023

CBS Nets 13-Year High in September NFL Viewership

This month’s NFL on CBS broadcasts averaged 18.69 million viewers.