January 17, 2005
Idiot reporter makes MLK slur, gets fired
Las Vegas weather reporter Rob Blair was fired yesterday after making an offensive slur against Martin Luther King, in what he termed an "accidental slip of the tongue" in an on-air apology broadcast later.
Jim Prather, vice president and general manager of KTNV, said Blair "stumbled" during a weather update at 7:55 a.m. Saturday but added that "this kind of incident is not acceptable under any circumstances, and I'm truly sorry that this event occurred."Moronic idiot.Blair was delivering the extended forecast when he said, "For tomorrow, 60 degrees, Martin Luther Coon King Jr. Day, gonna see some temperatures in the mid-60s."
About 20 minutes later, Blair told viewers at the ABC affiliate, "Apparently I accidentally said Martin Luther Kong Jr., which I apologize about -- slip of the tongue."
He offered a full apology during Saturday's 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts.
At 6:11 p.m., co-anchor Christina Brown, who is black, announced, "Right now we want to pause for a program note. Rob?"
Blair, seated at the news desk with co-anchors Brown and Shawn Boyd, said, "On a weather report earlier this morning, I made an accidental slip of the tongue when talking about the Martin Luther King holiday, and what I said was interpreted by many viewers as highly offensive. For that I offer my deepest apology. I in no way intended to offend anyone. I'm very sorry."
Good riddance,Blair. He got what he deserved.
Posted by: Jim at January 19, 2005 01:10 AMLET EVERYONE REMEMBER HIS FACE, BECAUSE AMERICA IS BIG PLACE AND HE MAY CHANGE HIS NAME!
Posted by: CONCERNED at January 20, 2005 01:27 PMi've watched rob blair for over 3 years and i think rob is a great guy.i support rob in his apoligie for his mistake to all who think differnt thats your opinion.
Posted by: someone who cares at January 23, 2005 03:44 PMI went to college with Rob. He's a nice guy, who made a mistake. I did not see the incident, but I believe folks should be given another chance...might be a good opportunity for some positive press or local interest stories...similar to community service as opposed to jail...
Posted by: justacomment at May 26, 2005 10:15 PMI live in California, up in the north state in Glenn County. As a person of color I can honestly say that many places in the North State are HARDLY racially tolerant. Rob was a newscaster on NCN news in Redding or Red Bluff and he was clearly one of the "good ole boys" in the North State broadcast community. Eric McClendon was a sportscaster up here, but he is black--bet he wasn't a card carrying "ole boys" clubber. But clearly Rob Blair has heard a "nigger" joke or two....just laughs and back slapping between Rob and Buck. Trouble is racism cloaked under the best disguise will creep out at the WORST possible moment. Like during a newscast on Martin "Coon" King Day. Maybe since that day he has gotten good at saying "would you like fries with that!"
Posted by: Loren Roque at September 17, 2005 02:42 AM