ESPN Cleveland has suspended radio host Tony Grossi for derogatory comments he made about Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield.
The incident occurred when Grossi apparently didn't realize his microphone was on when discussing all of the quarterbacks that Cleveland missed out on and said the following about Mayfield:
“And who do we got? A (expletive) midget,” Grossi said.
The term “midget” is considered derogatory, which ESPN made sure to point out in its statement:
“We are aware of Tony Grossi’s statement about Baker Mayfield. The term Tony used is a derogatory slur to describe Little People. … We are addressing this matter with Tony directly, and while we normally do not comment on personnel matters, we do want to share that we have made the decision to immediately and indefinitely suspend Tony Grossi.”
Grossi and Mayfield have an extended history, and it isn't a good one.
Most recently, Mayfield stormed away from a media session after ripping Grossi for asking “the dumbest question you could ask.” Grossi later said that the signal-caller has been disrespectful many times.
Mayfield is coming off of a disappointing 2019 campaign in which he threw for 3,827 yards, 22 touchdowns and 21 interceptions while completing 59.4 percent of his passes and posting a passer rating of 78.8.
That came on the heels of a terrific rookie season in which Mayfield made 14 appearances and 13 starts and set the single-season rookie record with 27 touchdown passes.
The Browns entered this past year with Super Bowl aspirations, but ended up winning just six games and missing the playoffs altogether.
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