The Clippers television announcing crew of Ralph Lawler and Michael Smith haven't forgotten the one-game suspension handed to them by Fox Sports Prime Ticket cable network in 2009 for insensitive remarks made about Iranian-born Memphis Grizzlies center Hamed Haddadi. In today's game between the Grizzlies and Clippers in Los Angeles, the duo stuck in a little reminder of their suspension.
With 1:01 remaining in the first half and Rudy Gay at the free throw line for a pair of shots, the camera panned to the scorer's table, where O.J. Mayo and Haddadi waited to enter the game. It was Haddadi's first appearance in the game.
Lawler: "Got lots of substitutions waiting at the scorer's table to come in. O.J. Mayo is one of them. I'm not sure who the other fellow is. You know that fella?"
Smith "Nope."
Then Lawler chuckles audibly, but away from the mic. One has to appreciate their cheekier (and less offensive) sense of humor this time around, especially from Lawler after more than 2,500 games (most of which weren't fit for human consumption).
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The 2009 miscue that got them suspended a year earlier was published on the Los Angeles Times website as follows:
Smith: "Look who's in."
Lawler: "Hamed Haddadi. Where's he from?"
Smith: "He's the first Iranian to play in the NBA." (Smith pronounced Iranian as "Eye-ranian".)
Lawler: "There aren't any Iranian players in the NBA," (Repeating Smith's mispronunciation.)
Smith: "He's the only one."
Lawler: "He's from Iran?"
Smith: "I guess so."
Lawler: "That Iran?"
Smith: "Yes."
Lawler: "The real Iran?"
Smith: "Yes."
Lawler: "Wow. Haddadi that's H-A-D-D-A-D-I."
Smith: "You're sure it's not Borat's older brother?"
Smith: "If they ever make a movie about Haddadi, I'm going to get Sacha Baron Cohen to play the part."
Lawler: "Here's Haddadi. Nice little back-door pass. I guess those Iranians can pass the ball."
Smith: "Especially the post players.
Lawler: "I don't know about their guards."
