Your point is well-taken. Of course, I can never “rule it out”. I wasn’t in his head. It is certainly always a possibility. I can only give my best interpretation which has factored in his usage of this term with white players and his history of challenging racism.

For better or worse, my general rule for gaffes is to check the larger record for consistency or inconsistency. A counter example would be Imus defenders saying that “nappy-headed-hos” was a bad joke gone awry. While I find this logic ludicrous, any doubt on this point is removed by going to a 20 year record of similar statements.

Having stated all of that, if there is more information on Cosell that challenges the social consciousness that this website gives him credit for, I am willing to listen.

I’m not sure about an “easy” pass for Mr. Cosell. Although I never intimated his gaff was racial, it did feel that way when it was said. But since you raise it in his defense, he didn’t say bulldog,imp,leprechaun mighty mouse or many other small quick, smart agile likenesses. He used “Monkey” which has repeatedly been used historically to denigrate black men. He got sent to the woodshed (wrist slap) for a reason. I don’t think you should categorically rule it out as an expression of racism conscious or unconscious. I like Howard Cosell a lot and I assign to him the rapier wit and acidic tongue necessary to get the job done. With that comes an occasional flap that needs light shed on it. Be the beacon not the shade.

As for “gaffes”, his most famous was calling a Redskins wide receiver “a little monkey” on air. A gaffe, certainly. Expression of racism? No. There is videotape of Cosell calling white football players “monkeys” as well as the fact that he used the term to all his own children. Should Cosell have been more aware of the interpretation of the word. Absolutely. My take on many “word gaffes” is that it is time to explore the larger record of that person. Cosell passed that test easily.

I mean, he deserves some hate but this all goes back to the Larry Bird quote. In addition, Zeke holds on to grudges too long. That is why you will not see Pat Ewing or Charles Oakley in any positions with the knicks. They hang out with Jordan. Say what you want to say about Zeke, he did not pick Kwame Brown with the #1 pick. Nuff said.

I mean they beat the celtics and all you see on ESPN is Crawford giving Allen a foul. Ugh!!!!

The sports left espn when they did not renew playmakers for another season.