Unfortunately, people are talking about Andrew Catalon after calling his first NCAA tournament games last week. However, it is not the kind of attention he wanted.
From the AP Friday night:
A CBS announcer has apologized to a Polish-born Gonzaga player for using a derogatory term while describing the defense Oklahoma State was using against Przemek Karnowski.
In an effort to make a comeback in the second half, Oklahoma State started deliberately fouling Karnowski, who is a poor free throw shooter. Andrew Catalon, the play-by-play announcer for the game, called the strategy ”Hack-a-Polack.”
Catalon’s broadcasting partner, former NBA player Mike Gminski, who is of Polish descent, immediately responded, ”Easy now,” and chuckled at the comment.
Catalon apologized immediately. He then continued the apology tour in an email exchange with Richard Deitsch of SI.com.
Catalon: First and foremost, I’m deeply sorry. The honest truth is that I had no idea it’s considered a derogatory term. I’m ashamed and embarrassed to admit that, but in no way was I aware that I was making an insensitive or off-color remark. That’s not who I am.
SI.com: You apologized to Przemek Karnowski afterward. How did you go about doing that?
Catalon: It was very important to me that I apologized to him in-person. I immediately issued an apology on-air, but I wanted to meet with him face-to-face and apologize. I went into the Gonzaga locker room right after the game and he was very gracious in accepting my apology, as was Gonzaga head coach Mark Few, who offered his support.
SI.com: How concerned are you about this incident staying with you heading forward?
Catalon: I made an honest mistake, and I feel terrible about it. I hope that this does not define me and people will see me for the person and broadcaster that I have always been.
SI.com: What is your response to those viewers who believe you should be suspended or pulled from the tournament?
Catalon: I hope they understand that I made a mistake and I sincerely apologize for my poor choice of words and insensitive remark. I’m not a mean-spirited person. I’m deeply sorry.
Catalon didn’t know that it was “a derogatory term?” If that’s the case, then he better brush up on other terms that might be considered offensive.
Listen, I am all for seeing new people get an opportunity to work big games at the highest level. It was refreshing to hear a new voice in Catalon.
However, I’m sure he knows every announcer’s network future always rests on a precarious ledge. All it takes is one misplaced slip to send a promising newcomer into a free fall.
We likely won’t know until next year’s NCAA whether Catalon pays a price for this year’s mistake.
I’m Polish myself and did a double take when I heard the remark live. I didn’t take offense myself but it was certainly out of place. I thought it was classy of Gminski to, after he apologized a second time on-air, say, “It’s OK…I’ve got you” (i.e. your back).
However I GUARANTEE you in this politicially correct society that Catalon will not be doing games next year. Also my personal opinion I don’t think he’s that good…very bland, nothing stands out about him. From his vocal quality to his play by play.
If he didn’t know it was a derogatory term, brushing up won’t help. He’s obviously an ignoramus, and he’s likely to make another unpredictable blunder soon. So fire him.
Is this the type of “talent” we’re getting in sports announcers today? So insulated and callow that they don’t know which words are deeply offensive to huge groups of people? Like four-year-olds.
Most of the Polish-American folks I know use that term to describe Polish-Americans. I was raised to view it as a slur, but now in middle age, don’t know what to think: if i heard someone say that in the case you described, where the intent was apparently not to denigrate, I think I’d flash back to “I remember when that couldn’t be said” but wouldn’t think the announcer had said something offensive or wrong.