Sports radio host apologizes for ‘Barbie’ comments made toward veteran female reporter at Commanders camp

Sports activities character Don Geronimo issued an announcement Wednesday about his dismissal from a D.C.-based radio station and apologized for the comment he made towards a veteran feminine reporter.

Geronimo, whose actual title is Michael Sorce, known as WUSA9 reporter Sharla McBride “Barbie” and a “cheerleader.” The remarks led to the Washington Commanders barring iHeartMedia – the mother or father firm of WBIG Radio – from the workforce’s coaching camp amenities in Ashburn, Virginia – and later, Geronimo’s dismissal.

“Final week, throughout my dwell radio present from the Commanders coaching camp, I used inappropriate phrases in a approach that harm somebody. I deeply and sincerely apologize for the ache I brought on WUSA sports activities reporter Sharla McBride,” Geronimo stated in an announcement obtained by Fox Information Digital.

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Former WBIG host Don Geronimo (Getty Photographs)

“As has been reported, I insensitively used the phrases ‘Barbie,’ ‘Barbie lady,’ and ‘chick’ when speaking about Ms. McBride, a fellow broadcaster who I didn’t know or acknowledge, when she walked by our broadcast place. My makes an attempt to be humorous and topical backfired, and I needlessly deprecated knowledgeable colleague.”

Geronimo pushed again on one facet of the ordeal – using the phrase “tight.” He stated neither he nor his producer used the phrase to explain McBride.

“Relatively, my producer used the phrase ‘tight’ – a typical time period within the broadcast world that refers to seamless manufacturing – to explain a technical facet of our present that day,” the assertion learn. “The timing of it was sadly misconstrued in some stories as a part of my reference to Ms. McBride.”

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Followers present up throughout day 4 on the Washington Commanders coaching camp at Commanders Park on July 29, 2023, in Ashburn, Virginia. (John McDonnell/The Washington Publish by way of Getty Photographs)

Geronimo stated he reached out to McBride to apologize and added that he hoped she would have the ability to have a dialog with him to “reiterate” his apology in particular person.

“I hope that Ms. McBride and the listeners who heard me will forgive me. I’m higher than this, and I promise to reveal that going ahead,” he stated.

McBride didn’t instantly reply to the assertion as she’s protecting Commanders training camp.

She stated final week she was “harm” by the feedback that had been made.

The Washington Commanders emblem on the sphere earlier than the Cleveland Browns sport at FedExField on Jan. 1, 2023, in Landover, Maryland. (Scott Taetsch/Getty Photographs)

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“Once I heard the feedback made about me on the radio present, I felt extremely insulted and embarrassed,” she instructed ESPN. “In my 17 years as knowledgeable journalist, I’ve by no means been disrespected in such a blatant method whereas making an attempt to do my job. Their phrases had been sexist and misogynistic. No girl ought to expertise this within the office, and I respect the Commanders’ swift response in dealing with this matter.”