During an appearance on ESPN Cleveland earlier Tuesday, long time radio personality and Browns writer Tony Grossi used a derogatory term when referencing Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield.
It came on a hot mic when the radio show was not supposed to be on the air. Grossi called Mayfield a “f***ing midget.”
Hours after the fact, Good Karma Brands (ESPN Cleveland) released a statement indicating that it has suspended Grossi indefinitely.
“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,” the company said in a statement, via a local AGC News affiliate in Cleveland.
Grossi is well known in the Cleveland area as a long time media personality covering the Browns. He has in the past faced the wrath of fans for some controversial takes. Such is the nature of the beast for a radio personality.
However, his statement about Mayfield seemed to go a bit too far. It’s a reminder that freedom of speech does not mean freedom from consequence.
Update: Grossi has released an apology.