Thunder broadcaster Brian Davis has been suspended one game by the team after he said Oklahoma City star Russell Westbrook was "out of his cotton-picking mind."
Did he just say “Westbrook is out of his cotton-picking mind”?..... pic.twitter.com/fvPZ5cTkjx
— Mark Robinson (@MarkyRobs) April 12, 2018
In a statement, via ESPN, Davis said:
"It is with great remorse and humility that I accept this suspension for the insensitive words I used during Wednesday's broadcast. While unintentional, I understand and acknowledge the gravity of the situation. I offer my sincere apology and realize that, while I committed a lapse in judgement, such mistakes comes with consequences. This is an appropriate consequense for my actions."
Matt Pinto will replace Davis for Game 1 of the Thunder's NBA playoff game against the Jazz.
Before his suspension, the Thunder expressed their displeasure with Davis' comments, calling them "offensive and inappropriate."
Thunder Vice President of Broadcasting Dan Mahoney to The Transcript:
"We find the term used by Brian Davis on our broadcast last night to be highly inappropriate and offensive."
"We’ve discussed it with the announcer and let him know that. He assures us it was not meant in any sort of offensive or derogatory manner and he apologizes."
"Nonetheless, he’s been told the use of that term in any manner is unacceptable."
Davis has done play-by-play for the Thunder on Fox Sports Oklahoma for eight seasons.