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Chargers football commentator uses Jewish stereotype in on-air exchange

Hank Bauer, a longtime radio analyst for the NFL’s San Diego Chargers, used a Jewish stereotype in an exchange with his on-air colleague.
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August 26, 2014

Hank Bauer, a longtime radio analyst for the NFL’s San Diego Chargers, used a Jewish stereotype in an exchange with his on-air colleague.

In the waning moments of Sunday’s Chargers-49ers preseason football game, play-by-play man Josh Lewin said if he were paying to attend he would not have left early, as many fans did, because of the high price of the tickets.

Bauer responded, “You know how copper wire was invented? Somebody dropped a penny between Josh and his family member.”

Lewin, who is Jewish, then attempted to change the subject by announcing the amount of time left in the game.

Bauer replied, “I say that respectfully and endearingly, my partner.”

“Love you too, buddy,” Lewin responded.

The Deadspin website first reported the exchange.

Bauer has been the color commentator for the Chargers radio broadcasts on FM105.3 and AM1360 in San Diego since 1998. He played for the Chargers between 1977 and 1982.

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