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Fox Heeds Iranian American Calls, Apologizes to Haddadi
Written by NIAC   
Saturday, 21 November 2009

Image Washington DC - Thank you for your speaking out against the insults made against the sole Iranian player in the NBA, Hamed Haddadi, by two Fox anchors. More than 2,000 people responded to the bigoted statements that were made by Fox commentators. We have been in touch with Fox, and they have issued an apology. We are still working to ensure that the apology is read on air as well. Below is the statement NIAC issued after discussing the matter with Fox:

"The National Iranian American Council is proud that the Iranian American community stood in solidarity against the derogatory statements made recently on Fox Sports. A representative from Fox contacted the organization, after less than 12 hours of NIAC posting a complaint, to express their regret for statements made on air. The channel has issued an apology stating:

'We regret the remarks made by Clippers announcers Michael Smith and Ralph Lawler during Wednesday's telecast.  While we believe that Michael and Ralph did not intend their exchange to be offensive, in retrospect, the comments were inappropriate.  We extend our apologies to Hamed Haddadi of the Memphis Grizzlies and to anyone who was offended.  We have addressed this situation with Michael and Ralph and have taken appropriate action.'

We commend Fox Sports for issuing this statement; however we universally condemn all bigotry whether it is against Iranian Americans or any other ethnic group. We hope this result will serve as a testament to what our community is capable of accomplishing when we stand together in unity."

On Friday evening, Fox anchors Ralph Lawler and Michael Smith, hurled insults, including borderline racial slurs, at Haddadi.

Speaking derogatory about Haddadi's Iranian background, Lawler and Smith compared Haddadi to Borat.

When Haddadi entered the game and Smith said, "Look who's in." Lawler responded, "Hamed Haddadi. Where's he from?" 
 
Smith answered, "He's the first 'Eyeranian' to play in the NBA." 
 
Lawler: "There aren't any Iranian players in the NBA?" repeating Smith's pronunciation of the word "Iranian." 
 
Smith: "He's the only one." 
 
Lawler: "He's from Iran?" 
 
Smith: "I guess so." 
 
Lawler: "That Iran?" 
 
Smith: "Yes." 
 
Lawler: "The real Iran?" 
 
Smith: "Yes." 
 
Lawler: "Wow. Haddadi -- that's H-A-D-D-A-D-I." 
 
Smith: "You're sure it's not Borat's older brother?" 
 
Lawler laughed and Smith continued, "If they ever make a movie about Haddadi, I'm going to get Sacha Baron Cohen to play the part."

NIAC immediately took action, encouraging Iranian-Americans to contact Fox and demand an apology.


 
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