It looks like someone has some Jimmy's Egg on his face!
The Sports Animal's Regular Jim Traber – not to be confused with Cardboard Jim Traber – apologized Friday afternoon after nearly saying the N-word live on the radio.
I guess Jim, an insightful genius who once proclaimed Russell Westbrook isn't a point guard, Tiger Woods wouldn't win another major, and Baylor – the defending Big 12 football champs and NCAA Men's Basketball National Champions – should be booted out of the Big 12 because they're not competitive, was discussing the recent controversy regarding a Philly fan who called Carmello Anthony "boy" during The Afternoon Sports Beat.
From what I've gathered, Jim then went on a long barking rant about racism, rightfully condemned the actions of the Philly fan, and talked about how the N-word should never be used, before then nearly saying the N-word himself.
Naturally, word of the mishap started to spread on Twitter. Here are some examples:
According to Twitter folks, Regular Jim Traber apparently said everything but the N-word today on the radio. If you have the audio, hit us up. pic.twitter.com/OPooN4iUDS
— The Lost Ogle (@TheLostOgle) January 28, 2022
When I first heard the reports, I wasn't very surprised. Once you've heard Dean Blevins urinate live on air – and get to listen to Al Eschbach reminisce about getting stabbed witha fork outside a Colombian brothel hotel – nothing on the Sports Animal, outside of listenable content, surprises me anymore.
A few hours after the incident happened, a humbled and tail-tucked Jim left the following explanation and "I'm Sorry If You Were Offended" apology on social media.
Check it out:
We hear you. We sympathize and apologize. Here’s an official statement from Jim Traber regarding the on air segment earlier today. pic.twitter.com/ddUoO45HFN
— The Sports Animal (@sportsanimal) January 29, 2022
Following Traber's near-gaffe gaffe, some folks on social started calling for his head, claiming he should be fired like other local sports radio hosts who were caught making racist jokes during commercial breaks. Other people, primarily ones who wear Oakley sunglasses in their profile pics, stuck up for Jim, chalked the incident to a slip of tongue mistake, and said the context and usage of the word should matter more than the actual word.
It appears The Sports Animal is aligning themselves with the Oakley camp and standing by their man. I can't blame them. Regular Jim drives consistent ratings, and this does appear to be more of an accidental slip-up than, say, going on a racist tirade because a high school basketball team took a knee during the National Anthem.
Plus, the station can tie the near N-word screw up to a new Oklahoma Men's Clinic Ad:
"Hey boys, this is Greg with The Oklahoma Men's Clinic. Are you an alpha male who likes to speak your mind, stick it to the PC police, and say any word you want when you want it? You know, words like..."
Anyway, I guess we'll continue to monitor the situation and provide updates if there are any. Stay with The Lost Ogle. We'll keep you advised.
Further Reading: 5 Ways To Avoid Saying The N-Word On The OU Campus
