A local radio station suspended a talk show host after he called a white Philadelphia Eagles player a “House Negro” while on air.
94WIP’s Josh Innes made the comments Tuesday while talking about the press conference introducing new Eagles head coach Doug Pederson. Innes criticized Eagles center Jason Kelce, who attended the press conference, calling him a “lapdog” for whoever coaches the Eagles.
Innes, who is white, then told his co-host, Hollis Thomas, who is black, that he recently watched the biographical film “Malcolm X.” Innes then referenced the civil rights leader’s 1963 speech "Message to the Grass Roots" in which he talked about the differences between the "House Negro" and the "Field Negro" during slavery.
Innes’ comments were quickly reported in several publications and sports blogs sparking outrage on social media. Innes later apologized for his comments calling them “stupid.” Listen to his full apology below:
Kelce later responded to Innes’ statements on Twitter.
On Wednesday 94WIP suspended Innes for three days due to his comments, according to program director Spike Eskin. Innes will return to his show Monday.
