So, did you hear that Andy Rooney made a racial slur last week about baseball players all being named "Rodriguez?"
You didn't?
Well, how could you, for it appears that virtually nobody reported it.
To bring you up to speed, the CBS "60 Minutes" commentator wrote a column about America's national pastime last Thursday, and stated the following (emphasis added):
My disinterest in baseball as a kid has lasted all my life. I'm still not interested in the game. I don't watch it on television or follow it in the newspaper. I know all about Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, but today's baseball stars are all guys named Rodriguez to me. They're apparently very good but they haven't caught my interest.
Now, just imagine if a conservative media personality like Rush Limbaugh or Sean Hannity had said or written such an epithet. Do you think you would have heard about it?
Yet, compared to all the anger surrounding recent statements made by Don Imus about the Rutgers women's basketball team, the New York Times just accepted Rooney's apology without much ado. This seems even more absurd as the highest paid baseball player in the world, coincidentally named Rodriguez, is a New York Yankee (emphasis added):
"Yeah, I probably shouldn't have said it," Mr. Rooney, 88, said when reached by telephone on Friday afternoon. He added that although he regretted the comment, he doubted he would apologize for it in a subsequent column. "It's a name that seems common in baseball now. I certainly didn't think of it in any derogatory sense."
He added, "That's what I do for a living, I write columns and have opinions, and some of them are pretty stupid."
Hmmm. It seems similar to what Imus used to do for a living as well. In fact, making irreverent comments was even in Imus's contract, but that didn't stop liberal groups from forcing CBS - who also happens to employ Rooney - to fire him.
Why the difference in treatment and outrage?
—Noel Sheppard is the Associate Editor of NewsBusters. Follow him at Facebook and Twitter.
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Comments Policy
That Rooney!
August 27, 2007 - 12:34 ET by Mica the MagnificentThat Rooney. What an articulate, clean macaca.
lol!
August 27, 2007 - 13:18 ET by Sergeant ROCKHe's adorable! Especially when he wears his lil' hat.
Good one noel...
August 27, 2007 - 12:35 ET by TruthMongerSome groups just get special treatment, special rights, special free speech, special promotional capabilities via the MSM...
It's the liberal American way!
Of course bal would say this comment is "not as bad as nappy-headed ho"
which just proves my point...
How does he get a pass?
August 27, 2007 - 12:40 ET by mattmAnn Coulter gets all kinds of heat for NOT calling John Edwards a fag.
Rush Limbaugh gets heat for NOT inventing the term "Barak the Magic Negro" (among other bigotry he points out)...
Imus gets canned for "nappy headed ho".
But Rooney gets nothing but a phone call? I think someone ought to fire his Irish Mcbutt.
(BTW I'm half Irish)
It's because he's not an evil conservative, mattm
August 27, 2007 - 13:40 ET by RJWhy, everyone knows that when you're a leftist, your heart is pure, and you have nothing to prove.
And everyone knows, when
August 27, 2007 - 20:50 ET by motherbeltAnd everyone knows, when you're a conservative, you don't say hateful things about minorities, in order to hide the fact that you hate minorities.
That's why President Bush has appointed more black people in his administration than any other president: to hide the fact that he hates black people.
Actually, if you do a Google
August 27, 2007 - 15:48 ET by Del DolemonteActually, if you do a Google search you'll find many links claiming that Coulter DID call Edwards the F word.
Limbaugh got off easy because he didn't make up the "Magic" name, the LA Times did:
http://www.latimes.c...
Del, just because it's
August 27, 2007 - 16:45 ET by MikeBDel, just because it's claimed doesn't mean it happened. Go back and listen to or read her exact words. She very carefully structured her sentence so as not to call him the "f-word".
Lots of websites claim that anthropogenic global warming is proven science and the debate is over. Lots of websites claim the holocaust never happened. Some websites claim that Elvis is not dead... and so on ad infinitum, ad nauseum.
"A communist is someone who reads Marx. An anti-communist is someone who understands Marx." Ronald Reagan
He's an American. People
August 28, 2007 - 08:29 ET by kathleenirishHe's an American. People who grow up in America are, or at least used to be, American. Just because he has an Irish last name does not make him Irish! He's an elitist commie-lib before any mention of "Irish" should be made!!
Anyone who says they support the troops but not the mission is a liar.
Liberal gets special treatment
August 27, 2007 - 12:54 ET by Blogger Guy00001The difference is that the left is not aiming to get this old goat thrown off the air the way they want Limbaugh, Hannity and Savage shut down. Little lefties are constantly monitoring and recording every word that Limbaugh, Hannity and Savage say, looking for something to hang them on.
Rooney's insult:
August 27, 2007 - 12:55 ET by krismcsherrySaid by someone who likely never has any equal-status contact with anyone of any other color than his own.
Rooney, time to retire. You're not amusing anymore. Your bias has killed your wit. Join Bill Maher in the high pile of bitterness.
As for him getting a pass by the libs: They must agree with him, then. As for baseball: come on folks, it's just so middle-class! Even lower middle class! What would Rooney stoop so low?
I read this column when it
August 27, 2007 - 13:10 ET by DontTreadOnMeI read this column when it came out and thats was the first thing that came to my mind. Did he just write that? LOL.
Andy Rooney's still alive?
August 27, 2007 - 13:29 ET by MightyMouthAndy Rooney's still alive? Who would'a thunk?!?
I'll have to add him to my dead pool list. Why not... the guy's so old he farts dust.
"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...
Different Rules for Liberals
August 27, 2007 - 13:37 ET by ConservativeRexOnce again, liberals point out that they live under a different, obvious set of rules than the rest of Americans. Andy Rooney is a Commie (self proclaimed!) from the old days. By the old days I mean the 50's. He railed against the so called blacklist and all of those commies. He's not fooling anyone. Some people still remember these commie bastards for what they are. As my late Daddy used to say about commies "cut their ugly heads off, and throw it at their dead asses"! 'nuff said.
snopes.com
August 27, 2007 - 13:38 ET by Sergeant ROCKSnopes said it was an urban legend that he was dead.
j/k
Confirmed!
August 27, 2007 - 13:41 ET by MightyMouthIt's confirmed (as of 10 minutes ago). I'll check again in a Hugo Chavez half hour.
"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...
Robert Byrd
August 27, 2007 - 13:45 ET by Sergeant ROCK... is also alive at the moment, according to the website anyway.
The site must have the same
August 27, 2007 - 13:49 ET by MightyMouthThe site must have the same definition of "Alive" as "Weekend at Bernies". $-)
"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...
Rooney's All Stars
August 27, 2007 - 13:34 ET by Hero SquadAndy Rooney's fantasy baseball team for 2008:
C - Ivan Rodriguez, Tigers
1B - Guillermo Rodriguez, Giants (converted catcher)
2B - Luis Rodriguez, Twins
SS - Sean Rodriguez, Angels
3B - Alex Rodriguez, Yankees
OF - John Rodriguez, Cardinals
OF - Mike Rodriguez, Astros
OF - Miguel Rodriguez, Braves
SP - Wandy Rodriguez, Astros
SP - Ricardo Rodriguez, Pirates
SP - Wilfredo Rodriguez, Brewers
RP - Jose Rodriguez, Astros
RP - Eddy Rodriguez, Marlins
RP - Eric O'Flaherty, Mariners*
Closer - Francisco Rodriguez, Angels
(*gotta let him have at least one Irish guy.)
Announcer: "Rodriguez is up at the plate, Rodriguez is on deck, and Rodriguez is in the hole. Oh look, Rodriguez is warming up in the bullpen. I guess Coach Rodriguez is ready to pull Rodriguez from the game after 5 solid innings."
*****
"Some people have a way with words. Other people, er, I don't know. Not have way, I guess." - Steve Martin
HS
August 27, 2007 - 13:35 ET by Noel SheppardHS,
Spectacular! I was hoping someone would do this! Thanks! :-) ns
My obsession with baseball,
August 27, 2007 - 13:46 ET by Hero SquadMy obsession with baseball, fantasy and otherwise knows no bounds.
*****
"Some people have a way with words. Other people, er, I don't know. Not have way, I guess." - Steve Martin
we had a sportscaster up
August 27, 2007 - 15:58 ET by TruthMongerwe had a sportscaster up here who always pronounced it "rodragweez"
hilarious
Just like Les Nessman.
August 27, 2007 - 19:18 ET by bretzysdudeJust like Les Nessman.
Just like Les Nessman. I
August 27, 2007 - 21:58 ET by motherbeltJust like Les Nessman.
I love it!! Chy Chy Rodrigweez, along with his pet Mexican dog, the chi-hoo-a-hoo-a! LOL!
Gawd, I mss WKRP! Good clean comedy!!
And when Johnny Fever
August 28, 2007 - 08:30 ET by Hero SquadAnd when Johnny Fever corrects him, and he still mispronounces it... classic.
Someday, there will be walls here!
*****
"Some people have a way with words. Other people, er, I don't know. Not have way, I guess
Hero Squad. LOL!
August 27, 2007 - 13:38 ET by Six String SpiffGood one! I am no defender of lefties, but I think Andy was misunderstood. Baseball bores the bejesus out of me also. I think he was trying to get accross that the name Rodriguez appears so much in the MLB that it's hard to keep track. How many 'Johnson's do you know in the NFL?
Exactly
The American Revolution Continued
I think he saved himself by
August 27, 2007 - 13:43 ET by Hero SquadI think he saved himself by saying he never followed baseball, even as a kid. Had he said he missed the days of Ruth and Gehrig (read: pre-Jackie Robinson) and followed it up with his Rodriguez comment, I think he would've had some 'splainin' to do. (Ricky Ricardo reference intended.)
*****
"Some people have a way with words. Other people, er, I don't know. Not have way, I guess." - Steve Martin
how many johnsons in the
August 27, 2007 - 16:09 ET by TruthMongerhow many johnsons in the NFL?
every team has like 50 or so
(rimshot)
Ba-dum-bum!! Naughty,
August 27, 2007 - 22:00 ET by motherbeltBa-dum-bum!!
Naughty, naughty! LOL
Yeah, you need an attention
August 28, 2007 - 08:31 ET by kathleenirishYeah, you need an attention span to get into it.
Sorry, but the elite Rooney was saying he really can't get into baseball now because of there are men of different background, color or culture to his own playing.
Anyone who says they support the troops but not the mission is a liar.
You should also have a
August 27, 2007 - 15:51 ET by Del DolemonteYou should also have a Designated Hitter in there, just for use in American League parks. I recommend Jean-Claude Kerry's favorite Red Sox player, "Manny Ortez".
'Racial Slur' = yet another wussy attack on FOS
August 27, 2007 - 13:35 ET by Six String SpiffI don't mean that directly to you, Noel. I mean that in general. things have gotten WAY out of hand in this country regarding FOS. They're just WORDS!
The American Revolution Continued
Spiff
August 27, 2007 - 13:38 ET by Noel SheppardSpiff,
I agree with you. Sadly, over 40 years since pivotal civil rights legislation was enacted in the '60s, we are a nation rife with racial tension. How disgraceful.
I can't believe how little has changed in this regard since I was in kindergarten. :-( ns
Noel
August 27, 2007 - 13:41 ET by Six String SpiffIm glad you understand. I was hoping my words weren't poorly chosen. I nderstand you are using what Andy said (which can easily be taken as a racial slur had a CONSERVATIVE said it) as an expample of their hypocrisy.
The American Revolution Continued
Spiff
August 27, 2007 - 13:43 ET by Noel SheppardSpiff,
Exactly. I mean, in reality, it does seem that everybody in baseball is named Rodriguez. But, only a liberal is allowed to point it out! ns
Exactly
August 27, 2007 - 13:52 ET by Six String SpiffThe truly unfortunate thing is the party that once faught so hard for human rights, and against racism, is now the spearhead of the attack on FOS they Don't like. It's absolutely absurd. I heard something like "Todays 'Democrats' are socialists, and the Republicans are yesterdays Democrats". I don't remember exactly who, but it was someone on NB.
The American Revolution Continued
i say that - that's what
August 27, 2007 - 16:10 ET by TruthMongeri say that - that's what Reagan said as well. Rush also...
Players' names could be worse
August 27, 2007 - 14:01 ET by nkviking75Sportswriters should be grateful. What if they all had names like two former members of my favorite team, the Minnesota Twins: Kent Hrbek (HER-bek) and Doug Mienkiewicz (min-KAY-vich)?
When you put the clowns in charge, don't be surprised when a circus breaks out.
I'll bet their spell
August 27, 2007 - 14:07 ET by Hero SquadI'll bet their spell checkers go nuts with the influx of Japanese players now in the league.
"Why does 'Tadahito' keep getting flagged?"
*****
"Some people have a way with words. Other people, er, I don't know. Not have way, I guess
New script for you, Mr. Rooney
August 27, 2007 - 15:29 ET by Mike Bratton"Didya ever notice that most people who play basketball are all guys named Jamal or Tyrone or something? They haven't caught my interest.
"And what about hockey? I know all about Phil Esposito and Bobby Orr, but today's hockey stars are all guys named Jean-Luc and Nikolai. They're apparently very good, though.
"My ability to insult people as a kid has lasted all my life. If I'm not interested in something, I'm gonna run it down, then refuse to apologize for what I say. 'Cause, you know, I really didn't mean anything by it--matter of fact, I don't really say or write much that means anything at all."
--Mike
www.thebrattonreport.com
The difference between
August 27, 2007 - 15:36 ET by balboaThe difference between Rooney and Imus, obviously, is that "Rodriguez" isn't an insult or slur, whereas "nappy-headed hoes" definitely is.
Jamal factor, Balboa?
August 27, 2007 - 15:41 ET by Mica the MagnificentSo if I said there are too many 'Jamals' living on my block, that would be o-k?
Are there a lot of people
August 27, 2007 - 15:43 ET by balboaAre there a lot of people on your block named Jamal?
bal... Do you always
August 27, 2007 - 15:47 ET by Clear thinkerbal...
Do you always answer a question by asking another question?
Get Email updates from Fred http://socialnet.imwithfred.com/email_alert_july_26.html
Take 2
August 27, 2007 - 15:57 ET by Mica the MagnificentIf there were too many, Bal, would it be o-k if I said it like that?
Is that a
August 27, 2007 - 15:57 ET by balboaIs that a problem?
:-)
There are a lot of guys named Rodriguez in the league. Again, Imus' comment, although not "end of the world" bad enough, was an actual insult.
Geez, Bal!
August 27, 2007 - 16:01 ET by Mica the MagnificentYou are becoming Leon-lite, Bal!
I told you what bal would
August 27, 2007 - 16:07 ET by TruthMongerI told you what bal would say - am i good or what:)?
How is Nappy Headed Ho's an
August 27, 2007 - 17:07 ET by Dan The Man 2How is Nappy Headed Ho's an insult? In thier culture Bitch, Ho, dawg nigger are all acceptable in many songs lyrics and motion pictures. Its just how it is on the streets. Nappy Headed is just a descriptive term and Ho means a female so it is not an insult...unless you are not black?
Nuke em til they glow then shoot em in the dark.
it is not offensive if you
August 27, 2007 - 17:17 ET by TruthMongerit is not offensive if you are a black person saying it to another black person - this is how non-racists think you see...
Please refer to the movie Rush Hour and the "what's up, my nigger?" scene:)
Are you Italian? Should I
August 27, 2007 - 19:27 ET by bretzysdudeAre you Italian? Should I assume everyone named Balboa is?
Bal
August 27, 2007 - 16:11 ET by Noel SheppardBal,
If I said, "I don't watch baseball anymore because all the players are named 'Rodriguez,'" have I just disparaged Hispanics? Yes or no. ns
proxy response
August 27, 2007 - 16:14 ET by Mica the MagnificentI'll respond for Bal:
Are there many baseball players named 'Rodriguez' in your neighborhood, Noel?
I would say that arguing
August 27, 2007 - 16:48 ET by Chris NormanI would say that arguing with Balboa is like taking on Tar Baby, but I'm afraid my remark would be misconstrued and I'd end up in big trouble. So, I'll just say trying to pin Balboa down is like trying to nail Jello to the wall...
The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.
- Arabian Proverb
Noel.... I was going to
August 27, 2007 - 17:15 ET by JerNoel....
I was going to respond but then noticed that Hero Squad had previously and precisely made my point with his following post:
"I think he saved himself by saying he never followed baseball, even as a kid. Had he said he missed the days of Ruth and Gehrig (read: pre-Jackie Robinson) and followed it up with his Rodriguez comment, I think he would've had some splainin' to do...."
Jer
You have. I don't think
August 27, 2007 - 21:26 ET by balboaYou have. I don't think that's what Rooney did.
Bal
August 27, 2007 - 21:40 ET by Noel SheppardBal,
Honestly, has something changed in your life? Suddenly, your reading comprehension skills have taken a distinct turn for the worse.
This is what he said: "today's baseball stars are all guys named Rodriguez to me. They're apparently very good but they haven't caught my interest
What aren't you getting about this? Or, is it now your intention to try my patience? ns
Noel
August 27, 2007 - 22:02 ET by balboaI don't really care to "try your patience." Why are you so averse to a difference of opinion "suddenly"?
Your statement was "I don't watch baseball anymore because all the players are named 'Rodriguez," which infers that you don't watch because they're all Hispanics.
Rooney said "today's baseball stars are all guys named Rodriguez to me. They're apparently very good but they haven't caught my interest," to me means Rooney notices that most of the players are Hispanic, but they haven't captured his attention, not BECAUSE they're Hispanic, but because they just aren't that interesting as players. I don't think Rooney's statement infers that the players being Hispanic is WHY he's not interested in them.
Most commentators know
August 27, 2007 - 18:03 ET by Chris NormanMost commentators know enough to avoid the third rail of making comments containing even a hint of race or ethnicity. Political correctness has seeped into even much of conservative commentary. Either Rooney knew that this would get a reaction but knew he'd get away with it or he's so old, it didn't occur to him.
The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.
- Arabian Proverb
Joe DiMaggio 1929?
August 27, 2007 - 18:14 ET by thomasrhallHow could his father have taken him to a Yankee game (when he was about 10) where he saw Joe DiMaggio strike out 3 times? If Andy Rooney is 88, he was born in 1919 (or maybe 1918). DiMaggio's first year was 1936.
thomasrhall....Nice
August 27, 2007 - 18:45 ET by Jerthomasrhall....Nice 'catch'
and tends to confirm Rooney really is an ignoramus when it comes to baseball.
Jer
No, Jer, it tends to confirm
August 27, 2007 - 18:58 ET by RJthat Rooney is either a liar or suffering from dementia....
Well, RJ... I'll go with
August 27, 2007 - 19:21 ET by JerWell, RJ...
I'll go with ignoramus and possibly mild to moderate dementia. No real motivation to deliberately lie about the identity of the player, or his own age, regarding this anecdote.
Jer
Except, Jer, it's my observation that in the past, Rooney
August 27, 2007 - 19:26 ET by RJhas had a habit of playing loose with facts.
Don't bother asking for cites, it's just my own observations, from way back when I thought he was a little amusing, and before he be came a ranting, born-again leftist ideologue.
RJ, when I do watch '60
August 27, 2007 - 19:43 ET by JerRJ, when I do watch '60 minutes' I generally switch to something else before Rooney comes on. He's well past his prime. But I still don't believe this particular incident to be solid evidence of lying on his part.
Jer
No problem, Jer
August 27, 2007 - 19:49 ET by RJI'm happy to go with completely demented. ;^>
RJ...Glad we got that
August 27, 2007 - 19:54 ET by JerRJ...Glad we got that settled.
Jer
Nice 'catch'
August 27, 2007 - 19:11 ET by ts88Jer, you can ask me Mom, I was 10 years old until I was 15, it got me in the movies cheaper. Pat
Pat, when I was 15, I was
August 27, 2007 - 19:34 ET by JerPat, when I was 15, I was trying my best to look older than 12 so as not to suffer the embarassment of being charged as a 'child'. Saving 50 cents wasn't worth the humiliation.
Jer
Keep on pushing a PC world, Noel; it makes that crowd happy
August 27, 2007 - 21:48 ET by TokyoTomHeaven forbid we notice that the best talent all over the baseball world is attracted to the US (even Japan - but I suppose those names are harder for Rooney to remember and pronounce).
That's what being the land of the free and the home of the brave gets you. I'm sure Rooney appreciates very much that the US open door is responsible for the Irish being here.
If anything, Rooney was simply foolish not to anticipate the PC patrol. Are you sure you want us to be on it too?
TT
"The first principle is that you must not fool yourself - and you are the easiest person to fool."
Richard Feynman
Tom
August 27, 2007 - 21:59 ET by BlondeYou are about the most annoying foreigner I've seen here, to date.
Sheesh....why don't you just spam your own blogs?
And if you're an American, double shame on you for being such a pitiful troll.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Andy Rooney . . . Isn't he
August 27, 2007 - 22:12 ET by jdhawkAndy Rooney . . . Isn't he dead?
Actually he is Un-dead.
August 28, 2007 - 08:43 ET by BritcomActually he is Un-dead.
Excellent catch
August 27, 2007 - 23:23 ET by bigtimerExcellent catch Noel.
Btw...AS far as I am concerned couldn't happen to a better person, network or show.
Of course the rest of the msm is silent.
Nothing new with this pathetic hypocrisy now is there?
I guess Andy is such an
August 28, 2007 - 08:17 ET by kathleenirishI guess Andy is such an elite, he would never get into a truly American game such as baseball. What a snob. Perhaps, 'futbol' is more your style, except that the best players have names like "Ronaldo" which would turn your racist, superior fat white arse off? God, liberals are the biggest racists of all! Can you picture the phony liberal firestorm of indignation and claims of conservative 'intolerance' and 'bigotry' if Sean Hannity had said something like what Rooney did?
P.S. We don't care what you think, Andy! And, we never have!!!!! That goes for the rest of you MSM Libs!
Anyone who says they support the troops but not the mission is a liar.
That was too funny. I
August 28, 2007 - 09:37 ET by fosstenHero Squad, that was too funny. I wonder if you can do the same thing with "Gonzalez."
Forget 911, I dial 9MM.
The Speedy Gonzalez-es
August 28, 2007 - 10:21 ET by Hero SquadPiece o' cake!
C - Wiki Gonzalez, White Sox
1B- Adrian Gonzalez, Padres
2B - Luis A. Gonzalez, Rockies
SS - Alex Gonzalez, Reds (or Alex S. Gonzalez, Royals)
3B - Andy Gonzalez, White Sox
OF - Luis E. Gonzalez, Dodgers
OF - Raul Gonzalez, Cardinals
OF - Carlos Gonzalez, Diamondbacks
SP - Gio Gonzalez, White Sox
SP - Edgar Gonzalez, Diamondbacks
SP - Enrique Gonzalez, Diamondbacks
SP - Miguel Gonzalez, Angels
RP - Geremi Gonzalez, Blue Jays
RP - Luis E. Gonzalez, Mariners
RP - Dustin McGowan, Blue Jays*
Closer - Mike Gonzalez, Braves
(* - bonus Irish player)
Pitching might be a little weak on this team, but the lineup looks strong.
I think if you drafted a Gonzalez-Rodriguez team, you'd be pretty strong. Add Martinez to the mix, and you'd be unstoppable. Add Molina, and you'd have a bounty of catchers to choose from.
But Andy Rooney still wouldn't care.
*****
"Some people have a way with words. Other people, er, I don't know. Not have way, I guess." - Steve Martin