CNN analyst Roland Martin suspended for David Beckham tweet
CNN suspended Roland Martin over a Super Bowl Tweet some construed as homophobic. CREDIT: AP
Loading ...Twitter has helped another person get in trouble: this time, it’s CNN analyst Roland Martin.
He was suspended from the Atlanta-based news network today after a Super Bowl Tweet that some perceived to be homophobic.
“Roland Martin’s tweets were regrettable and offensive,” the CNN said in a statement this afternoon. “Language that demeans is inconsistent with the values and culture of our organization, and is not tolerated. We have been giving careful consideration to this matter, and Roland will not be appearing on our air for the time being.”
There was no return date referenced. The 43-year-old columnist, commentator and author has been a regular contributor to CNN since 2007.
During the Super Bowl, Martin Tweeted:
“If a dude at your Super Bowl party is hyped about David Beckham’s H&M underwear ad,” he wrote, “smack the ish out of him!”
Gay watchdog groups, including GLAAD (Gay Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation), seized upon this as an anti-gay slur and demanded his removal from the network.
Martin apologized but said he was being “soccer”-phobic, not homophobic:
“Let me address the issue that some in the LGBT community have raised regarding some of my Super Bowl tweets yesterday. I made several cracks about soccer as I do all the time. I was not referring to sexuality directly or indirectly regarding the David Beckham ad, and I’m sorry folks took it otherwise.”
But CNN took action anyway and GLAAD was glad:
“CNN today took a strong stand against anti-LGBT violence and language that demeans any community,” said GLAAD spokesperson Rich Ferraro in a statement. “Yesterday, Martin also spoke out against anti-LGBT violence. We look forward to hearing from CNN and Roland Martin to discuss how we can work together as allies and achieve our common goal of reducing anti-LGBT violence as well as the language that contributes to.”
Martin had about 96,000 Twitter followers as of today. He also does commentary for the Tom Joyner morning show (heard locally on Kiss 104.1) and TV One.
He was on CNN last night discussing the voting in Missouri, Colorado and Minnesota.
It’s late. I’m shutting down commenting for the night.
Join my Facebook fan page and Twitter.
By Rodney Ho, Radio & TV Talk
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181 comments Add your comment
CNN analyst Roland Martin suspended for David Beckham twit | ATLANTAboy.com | Gay Atlanta Celebrity, Film, Movie & TV News
February 8th, 2012
3:35 pm
[...] more CNN analyst Roland Martin suspended for David Beckham twit at Radio & TV Talk… /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR [...]
Pamela
February 8th, 2012
3:47 pm
They should have NEVER suspended him…please. I’m so SICK and TIRED of this type of crap. He did NOT say anything about anyone being gay nor did he say anything out of the way. Was it a CNN page where he said this? Hell no! Nothing should have happened to him. This was taken way too far. I’m so sick and tired of this type of crap happening.
Sad Day
February 8th, 2012
3:48 pm
We live in a world where some feel that not being offended is a right and thus if they are offended, somebody must pay.
Fat man in Georgia
February 8th, 2012
3:49 pm
Will everyone quit being so dang sensitive already? Problem with the world today is no one can speak their mind as they are too worried about stepping on someone’s toes and hurting their feelings. Pull up your big girl panties and get over it!
MyPatootie
February 8th, 2012
3:50 pm
I don’t really care for Roland Martin, and care even less for CNN, but if that statement can be construed as “anti-gay or homophobic”, I feel very sorry for the rest of the on-air people at that so-called network. This country has been turned upside down by just such as this. Note to those at all networks: “Be careful your thoughts are now being monitored”.
C. Tampa Ironworse
February 8th, 2012
3:51 pm
What’s “ish”?
Sean Eclectech
February 8th, 2012
3:54 pm
How pathetic and weak to suspend this man over this tweet.
Mary Chestnut
February 8th, 2012
3:54 pm
I am short, bald, fat, ghey and have an eye patch. Somebody get me a pfanta pweaze.
Lawrence
February 8th, 2012
3:55 pm
Roland Martin is also racist. He deserves whatever suspension he gets.
Darryl Moore
February 8th, 2012
3:56 pm
You NEVER make any remarks about LGBT lifestyles or Jewish people…especially if you work in an industry where more than HALF the decision makers fall into one of those two groups that I just mentioned…it is career suicide…besides that, how a person chooses to live their is their business…leave them alone…
Wow
February 8th, 2012
3:57 pm
That is complete crap! Really CNN?!
Really
February 8th, 2012
4:00 pm
Frankly, I don’t give an ish about the outrage of the lgbt community……
Rush Limbaugh
February 8th, 2012
4:00 pm
Lawrence
February 8th, 2012
3:55 pm
Roland Martin is also racist. He deserves whatever suspension he gets
____________________________________________
I resemble that remark dammit!
Sooooooooooo Tired of This Crap
February 8th, 2012
4:00 pm
What ever happened to Freedom of Speech?!! Stop being so D$%& sensitive about everything and looking for “perceived offense”! Not everything is about the LGBT community. I didn’t like the GoDaddy ads; does that make me homophobic? No I just don’t want to see another naked lady on tv. GET OVER YOURSELVES AND GET A LIFE. STOP TRYING TO MAKE EVERYONE CONFORM TO YOUR SENSITIVITY!!!
Steve
February 8th, 2012
4:00 pm
What???? I thought he was gay and before all you people say “he is married.” We know that being married doesn’t mean anything, just ask Eddie Long….
Roland S. Martin suspended by CNN for ‘offensive’ tweets – Entertainment Weekly | Latest News
February 8th, 2012
4:01 pm
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution [...]
Allison Wonderland
February 8th, 2012
4:02 pm
No wonder CNN is in last place.
banshee29
February 8th, 2012
4:02 pm
he is right, slap the ish out of him…soccer or (what do I put here? will ajc remove my comment?)
Troy Johnson
February 8th, 2012
4:02 pm
A pathetic turn of events; someone could potentially lose their job, have their career destroyed over a “tweeted” joke. Couldn’t GLAAD, express their outage without trying to take someone’s livelihood? Have we lost all freedom of expression? Is that the goal?
Glen Beck
February 8th, 2012
4:04 pm
Lawrence
February 8th, 2012
3:55 pm
Roland Martin is also racist. He deserves whatever suspension he gets
__________________________________________
Hey Rush, you can’t out do me dummy!
Bill O'Reilly
February 8th, 2012
4:05 pm
Lawrence
February 8th, 2012
3:55 pm
Roland Martin is also racist. He deserves whatever suspension he gets
__________________________________________
The spin stops here losers. I top all of you!
Phil Barnet
February 8th, 2012
4:08 pm
Just more of the same bs. I am offended by whatever anyone says and they should be fired mentality needs to go away. There is freedom of speech and opinion. no one agrees with any one all of the time.
if you’re gay, you’re gay. If you don’t understand or see the gay lifestyle…so be it.
The same holds true for blacks, women, short people, disabled people, hispanic people, heterosexual people,yellow people (I heard that one last night)…
The common denominator is that we are all people. People with opinions, perspectives and individual thoughts…and they are all not the same.
I respect people and their right to be people. If I get offended I don’t scream for someone’s job. Their butt maybe. But, not their job.
Get a life!!!!!!
Terry
February 8th, 2012
4:14 pm
Without having to look it up, what is LGBT?
How come these groups haven’t come out & supported that little kid that got beaten up by those thugs outside the grocery store?
Joan
February 8th, 2012
4:16 pm
Enter your comments here
JB
February 8th, 2012
4:17 pm
I think it was because of the nature of what he said. Violent acts against any group need to stop in our society and he implied that you should smack the ish out of someone whose views might be different than his own or yours. If you are in the media you need to be careful of what you say. He made that choice and he needs to convey a more positive message whether it is tweeting or company email. That’s what you choose when you are in the media and the public spotlight, like it or not.
GOD
February 8th, 2012
4:21 pm
SMDH……
I hate GAY people
February 8th, 2012
4:23 pm
I hope I piss every one of the gay people on here, off! Just because a person says something they should be fired (or removed)? It is a free country the last time I checked, and the freedom of speech is still included in the constitution. If you don’t like it…get over it! Also, this planet was created for straight people and if you don’t like it you are more than welcome to get off! Gay/Lesbian groups say they want tolerance, but are not tolerant of people that disagree with them. Have a nice day!
GOD
February 8th, 2012
4:25 pm
“… this planet was created for straight people and if you don’t like it you are more than welcome to get off!”
….Says Who?….SMDH
JTesla
February 8th, 2012
4:28 pm
Sorry, I thought this was a blog about Rowan & Martin, I love Laugh-In re-runs!
SAWB
February 8th, 2012
4:28 pm
So, does this mean his fishing show will be off the air?
http://www.fishingwithrolandmartin.com/
Yawn
February 8th, 2012
4:28 pm
Is CNN still on the air? This crap is why no one watches this network anymore.
Speaking of TV
February 8th, 2012
4:29 pm
I am SO SICK of the homosexual community’s sensitivity to everything. It’s all about them. Gimme a break. The color purple is theirs. The rainbow colors are theirs. They want marriage. They want their sexual lives to be “approved” in all venues, everyone needs to know about it. Keep it in the bedroom and grow some jewels. Man up, if you can.
I even saw a writer say that her editor wanted the pregnancy section of her book to not include mention about the male sperm and female egg because the gay community might be offended. WTF!! GROW UP! Not everything is an attack. Geez!
JTesla
February 8th, 2012
4:29 pm
“Also, this planet was created for straight people”
Tell them straight people to stop having gay babies. Oh and get rid of giraffes. All of them.
M915
February 8th, 2012
4:32 pm
Roland Martin is a RACIST? Hey WP isnt that calling the kettle black. You created racism.
Scott
February 8th, 2012
4:33 pm
Another attack by the accepting LGBT community. YEAH RIGHT This guy is complete Obamabot, libtard but he didnt say ANYTHING offensive. Keep it up queens and see that support that you think you are getting from mainstream society wither away.
DERK
February 8th, 2012
4:34 pm
You people at CNN are about as stupid as they get. I guess you’ll fire the next person on your network that mentions the word “GAY”!! As Redd Foxx would say “YOU BIG DUMMY!!!!”
Dr. Mindbender
February 8th, 2012
4:34 pm
They (and all the other PC groups that are so easily offended) need to go to the Dr. Being so thin-skinned is hazardous to their health.
I guess all of us that aren’t part of one of these ‘groups’ aren’t lucky enough to be offended and it matter to anyone else but us.
What comes around....
February 8th, 2012
4:35 pm
Looks like African Americans are having to play by the same rules as everyone else now….GOOD. You wanted equality, well now u got it! Guess yull see how it is with a old farrt Lowery or a shakedown Jackson watching everything u say. Word to the wise…ur skin color wont forgive ur remarks anymore my brothers and sisters (watch what u say)……lol
WendelllovesJanet
February 8th, 2012
4:35 pm
Im so sick of Americans..everyone gets offended by any and everything..Moral compasses need to be turned down..this is whack..Im hgay and I was not offended by his comment..he said nothing to bash gays.Man folks are really make me wanna url..this correctness is getting to be silly.
Fareeldo
February 8th, 2012
4:35 pm
This had nothing — and I mean NOTHING — to do with Roland’s tweet. CNN has been looking for a reason to ax him for a long time! And remember folks, the most homophobic among us are also the most conflicted about our orientation…just ask Eddie Long!
Steve
February 8th, 2012
4:36 pm
***This planet was created for straight people**** You really sound stupid!! Those are the same kind of stupid comments that have been made about blacks, christians, muslims, women etc, so if thats your backward way of thinking maybe you should get off the planet, and leave the rest of us intelligent people here so we don’t have to read your stupid comments!!
WendelllovesJanet
February 8th, 2012
4:36 pm
This country needs an enema
Fareeldo
February 8th, 2012
4:37 pm
What Comes Around, equality you say? Lemme get a piece o’ dat pie!!!
Devil's Advocate
February 8th, 2012
4:38 pm
I guess we can put an end to the notion that “if the on-air personality was black he wouldn’t get in trouble”.
GOD
February 8th, 2012
4:39 pm
Fareeldo – Real Talk.
Old Gay Guy
February 8th, 2012
4:41 pm
As a 60+ old gay male…. I wonder… “who cares?” Mr. Martin said it, got spanked and then apologized. That’s enough for me….let’s all move on to what really matters.
Hadley
February 8th, 2012
4:41 pm
Isn’t it ronic how the media distorts media? SMH
Devil's Advocate
February 8th, 2012
4:43 pm
It’s the liberal media’s fault that the liberal media personality said something against liberals!
skeeter
February 8th, 2012
4:43 pm
There was a second tweet he made about wearing pink.
He shouldn’t have been suspended for the contexts of the tweets, but he should be fired for being DUMB. In his position and on an international network and super bowl Sunday, yo dumb azz is tweeting. smdh
gaycist
February 8th, 2012
4:43 pm
I DON’T LIKE GAY PEOPLE!!! THAT’S RIGHT I SAID IT.
Gone Fishin'
February 8th, 2012
4:45 pm
Is it just me, or does everyone else think Roland Martin should just stick to bass fishin’?!
What comes around....
February 8th, 2012
4:50 pm
BTW, for those of you that DONT know, Anderson Cooper(top anchor on CNN), is gay(openly I might add). So Roland’s comments, however construed, probably hit a little close to home @CNN. Face it people….the idea of FREE SPEECH is dead. You can think it……just DOOONNNT say it!
Common Sense
February 8th, 2012
4:52 pm
This is crazy! I really like Roland Martin and look forward to his commentary and thoughts on different things. CNN, don’t do this!
StottsEra
February 8th, 2012
4:54 pm
what was homophobic about his comment? i am confused
TINA
February 8th, 2012
4:55 pm
I feel offended by the fact that we as a people don’t really have freedom of speech. Why is it that the GAY community want all these rights and we (black folks) have fought for our rights all our lives? If you don’t like the comments that people make, then stop putting your sexual preference out there ’cause everybody don’t want to know or see it!!!!!
Cowboy
February 8th, 2012
4:58 pm
I do not understand why the homosensual nation won’t leave the vast majority alone. No wonder our Muslim friends hate our lifestyle. Who can blame them (other than homosensuals)?
Edward
February 8th, 2012
4:59 pm
Tina, then stop putting your blackness out there for everybody to see. Same difference, whether you want to admit it or not. BooYaa! Roland Martin wasn’t called out for this one “tweet”, but a series of “tweets” that blatantly called for violence against gay people. He claims they were just a joke, but violence is not something to joke about. Against anybody. Or is it OK with you, Tina, if we joke about some black guy swinging by a rope from a tree? Just joking.
Ms. Information
February 8th, 2012
5:03 pm
Dogs and gay people get more respect than black people do.
Obama #1
February 8th, 2012
5:05 pm
When did Roland Martin quit doing his fishing show?
The REAL Roland Martin
February 8th, 2012
5:07 pm
Why is eveyone all upset at me. I’m jsut a simple fisherman with an awesome TV show. All I ever wanted to do is grab a pole, pull out my worm and dip it in the water until some big old bruiser snatches it up in his mouth and then he’s MINE! How can anyone get mad at that … it’s just fishin’.
carlton
February 8th, 2012
5:07 pm
I don’t even know who Roland Martin is, other than what I just read, but this gives affirmation that CNN is not worth watching.
3d
February 8th, 2012
5:07 pm
Why is it assumed that if a man did excited about the underwear that he must be gay?
Sounds like the gays are the prejudiced ones. A little touchy aren’t we?
Vince Doodly
February 8th, 2012
5:08 pm
It was a STUPID Commercial. Forget whether its interesting to gay men or not. What idiot made this decision? Typical overreaction.
randy
February 8th, 2012
5:08 pm
why is it always time to move on when a black did wrong? when will whites get the same pass that blacks get 99% of the time? just asking.
Brad
February 8th, 2012
5:09 pm
“GLAAD was glad”….nice touch
VA MAN
February 8th, 2012
5:09 pm
Stop the car I want to get out. Is the tweet insinuating that only gay men would buy Beckham’s underwear? help please.
treble bark
February 8th, 2012
5:12 pm
I am sick and tired of organizations caving in to pressure from the homosexuals. It was meant as a joke. By the way, if a man was hyped about a men’s underwear ad, yes he needs to be bashed upside his head. It is an abomination for two men to have relations with each other.
freddie
February 8th, 2012
5:12 pm
let me be clear..the greatest threat to our society are homosexuals!!! Ignore their rants and maybe they will just go away!
flagger
February 8th, 2012
5:16 pm
i thought Roland Martin was a bass fisherman…. my god!!! he has been turned into a black man that
hates homos… go figure…
JoJo
February 8th, 2012
5:16 pm
How can what he tweeted not be taken offensively? Whether you are gay or straight, it is offensive!! Just like if someone says the “N” word…whether you are black, white, hispanic, etc, you should be offended because it is disparaging!
arlene
February 8th, 2012
5:18 pm
Roland was unfairly treated…and that commercial was stupid, anyway! Why would David Beckham agree to such a dumb ad?
Paul Tallentire
February 8th, 2012
5:18 pm
As a homosexual male, I certainly DO NOT take offense to what Mr. Martin had to say. Lighten up CNN, he is kidding. On another note, the rumor going around is that “Backstreets” is coming back to Midtown!!! WOW, I hope this is true!! Sweaty, hot, shirtless men!!! A queen can dream!!
Anderson Cooper's Producer
February 8th, 2012
5:19 pm
I think we should get Roland Martin (blond bowl-cut) and Roland Martin (CNN non-analist) to debate this topic live with Anderson Cooper there to make funny quips and insightful questions.
atlantato seattle2015
February 8th, 2012
5:22 pm
i thought roland martin was gay ..i do know he sounds very very arrogant and full of himself for some odd reason
arlene
February 8th, 2012
5:23 pm
…also, those undies are waaay overpriced for some plain old white underpants!
just over it
February 8th, 2012
5:24 pm
If it had been said on CNN, then they had a right to suspend him. But since it was on a PRIVATE Tweet account, then CNN didn’t have any right to dicipline him for his private thoughts (gay or otherwise). Gay people want to be treated like anyone else, but if they get offended, then…..whoa…….they want everyone punished, suspended or fired. Either shut up or crawl back in your closets.
Yall don't get it
February 8th, 2012
5:28 pm
His comment furthers the idea that it is NOT ok to be gay, and that if you are, you should keep quiet and never make straight men feel uncomfortable by being yourself. Grow up! The days of making fun of gay people are over. Those of you who can’t see that are living in a bubble. Sounds like a bunch of people on here have had their bubble burst.
Fred
February 8th, 2012
5:30 pm
CNN, CRAP NEWS NETWORK. They should spend more time trying to get better rating than MSNBC and FOX, which will never happen.
Frank Furter
February 8th, 2012
5:32 pm
Good gosh! http://www.notquitedevils.com‘
Frank Furter
February 8th, 2012
5:33 pm
What is this world coming too!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Not-Quite-Devils/189460134436969
LAUGHTER GOOD FOR THE SOUL
February 8th, 2012
5:34 pm
SHAME ON CNN THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH HIS COMMENT. WHY ARE PEOPLE SO D—- CRY BABIES. BRING ROLAND BACK OR YOUR RATING WILL DROP, ROLAND DESERVES TO BE TREATED FAIR, CNN I BET YOU WERE JUST WAITING FOR A REASON TO DO THIS TO ROLAND BECAUSE HE TELLS THE TRUTH AND THE TRUTH HURTS CERTAIN PEOPLE! BRING ROLAND BACK NOW!!!!!
freddie
February 8th, 2012
5:42 pm
it is NOT okay to be gay..its an illness
pfffft
February 8th, 2012
5:45 pm
get the f@%#$ over yourselves people. so sick of people who fight for rights of everyone, except those who have a different opinion than they do. not to mention he said nothing about gays!!!!!!! he said “hyped”. is “hyped” the new term for heterosexually challenged and we cant use it in nondescript conversation anymore? such an over the top knee jerk reaction to a nothing tweet. omg i said jerk, i wasn’t referring to self pleasers, i hope i didn’t offend anyone.
pfffft
February 8th, 2012
5:46 pm
wait i should have typed in all caps to help make my point.
pfffft
February 8th, 2012
5:47 pm
hope nobody gets their panties in a wad over my mistake
pfffft
February 8th, 2012
5:49 pm
great now i’ve gone and offended all those people who don’t wear underwear, sorry everyone.
Chris p 3
February 8th, 2012
5:53 pm
glad to live in Texas where gay marriage will never happen. I don’t like gays nor do I like them trying to force their life choice on us.
CAPT-ATL
February 8th, 2012
5:53 pm
CNN can’t suspend him!! It is Black History Month for King Eddie Long’s sake…..or Gods sake, whichever you happen to put your faith in.
SKEGEE51
February 8th, 2012
5:55 pm
WHERE WAS TWITTER DURING SALVERY? OR DURING JIM CROW? CAN YOU IMAGINE THE TWITS BACK THEN???
WHICH HURTS MORE THE WORDS OR THE SEX??? WHINNERS
Sam
February 8th, 2012
5:55 pm
For all those screaming about freedom of speech and the Constitution, you are showing your ignorance. The First Amendment prohibits CONGRESS from restricting speech (at least whole scale); it does not prevent a company from sanctioning someone for saying something (or tweeting it) that could cause damage to that company.
I agree that this hypersensitivity is over the top, but CNN is well within its rights to suspend Martin. Honestly, I had never heard of him until I clicked on the story on Facebook.
ls1z28chris
February 8th, 2012
5:56 pm
So his defense is that he wasn’t making fun of gay people, he was making fun of effete European footballers.
Way to stay classy, Martin. Way to stay classy.
marcus
February 8th, 2012
5:56 pm
martin is gay and everyone knows it. so why is he trying to act macho.
SKEGEE51
February 8th, 2012
5:57 pm
DAMN LIBERAL MEDIA…LOL…LOL…LMBAO
Sam
February 8th, 2012
5:58 pm
Arlene wrote “Roland was unfairly treated…and that commercial was stupid, anyway! Why would David Beckham agree to such a dumb ad?”
Arlene: the answer is simple $$$$$$$$. Most ads are stupid. Many TV shows and movies are and yet actors do them. Why? $$$$$$ (or to fulfill a contract in some cases).
Bonedaddy
February 8th, 2012
5:58 pm
Is Rodney Ho a Ho? Is that offensive?
Drew
February 8th, 2012
5:59 pm
Nothing in that statement even indicates anyone commit acts of violence against gay people. There are people who have made worse statements and gotten lighter punishments.
Completely foolish. It may not have been the best choice of words, but how this is anti-gay is beyond me…
The Reasonable Man
February 8th, 2012
6:06 pm
Ive always thought Roland Martin was gay. Not that I care. Just something I thought.
creative
February 8th, 2012
6:09 pm
How gay
Just Wondering...
February 8th, 2012
6:09 pm
Since Roland did not mention any gay terms or slurs, people inference of his comments fell on the side of what their particular sensitivities are. To that end, the comment was up for interpretation, and my interpretation of what he tweeted was that the shorts were ugly!!
Gag8tor
February 8th, 2012
6:10 pm
I think that Roland is taking a break and will be the newest contestant on “The Biggest Looser” He needs to drop about a buck fifty.
Stewart Av Playa
February 8th, 2012
6:11 pm
He didn’t do nothin wrong! CNN is wrong! Gays get all the rights. I love Mr President Barak Obama, but he helps the gays too much. Stop Mr President. Your Community doesn’t like them
mecq
February 8th, 2012
6:11 pm
OMG…If hetweeted about a Gay Dog he may have gotten the Death penalty…..!!! As Americans our Constitution protects our right to free speech and expression. I guess that is until it offends the closeted minority that is actually quickly becoming a majority with the minority race.
Hi
February 8th, 2012
6:12 pm
Dont care for Martin but this is absurd. CNN shoves gayness down America’s throat (no pun intended) on a daily basis. This is another in the long list of stupid decisions made to appease gays.
JustAThought
February 8th, 2012
6:15 pm
Another person on the verge of losing it all do to social media……………………that right keep tweeting and facebooking people
ATinSAV
February 8th, 2012
6:15 pm
@Sam
Thanks Sam, I was about to clear that up until I saw your post. It is scary how little Americans know about their own Constitutional rights.
Mr. Riley
February 8th, 2012
6:17 pm
This is the dumbest crap I’ve seen ever. To get suspended over a commercial??…and yes the commercial was gay and wack
Stewart Av Playa
February 8th, 2012
6:18 pm
What’s next? U gonna fire us for sayin No Homo before we say a man is dresses nice
Donald Trump
February 8th, 2012
6:18 pm
You’re fired ! Seriously, companies have social network policies these days and if you want to work for a company like CNN, watch what you say. He knows this.
So, HE’s fired. Now give me my Presidential application please.
face man
February 8th, 2012
6:19 pm
Fat man in gA u r so right sir. I couldn’t have said it better myself good sir
trottsky
February 8th, 2012
6:20 pm
Of all the crap this guy spouts, leave it to CNN to use this as an excuse…..
kristi
February 8th, 2012
6:21 pm
Based on personal experience of Roland publishing my friend’s dead body and then unapologetic when directly addressed: This is a little karma, the guy is an ass.
mecq
February 8th, 2012
6:22 pm
@JB…Nancy Grace’s comments and diatribes are never censored. I’m affraid that since she competed on DWTS she is being precieved as a legitimate journalist. I arrived at this conclusion based on ABC GMA using her as an expert on certain topics. Are you kidding me…???? . Roland Martin is a legitimate journalist. He’s objective, controversial, confrontational and bold. I stopped watching CNN years ago. They lack objectivity and are clearly controlled by special interest groups. Whom shall remain nameless because if you offend them you may get the death sentence as well……The hurt Hurt..
Boon
February 8th, 2012
6:23 pm
So let me get this straight. MIA can get on public TV and shoot a bird at the camera and use a vulgar word and an apology by the Network fixes everything.
A news correspondent uses his right of free speech and gets suspended over that? We are stupid, just plain stupid.
Highlander
February 8th, 2012
6:25 pm
Sam (5:55pm), well said. As someone else already pointed out, no one has a right not to be offended!
Anyone who thinks Martin was actually serious about “smack(ing) the ish” out of anyone needs to seek some professional help. It’s a figure of speech used in a jovial manner, not a warning of intended violence.
Someone from GLAAD should have tweeted back, “Try it and we’ll smack the hetero out of you!” Then everyone could just relax and go back to real problems.
Of course, on another note, I really don’t care what goes on at CNN.
tim
February 8th, 2012
6:25 pm
Roland the racist gets suspended.
Good for CNN
Jeff
February 8th, 2012
6:25 pm
So GLAAD says they are against language “that demeans any community.”
So are they going to start demanding that people like Kathy Griffin, Alec Baldwin, Rosie O’Donnell, George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Al Gore, Nancy Pelosi, Melissa Etheridge, Michael Moore, etc. etc. etc. apologize when they ridicule, marginalize, attack, mock, and make false and inflammatory statements about Christians, conservatives, and anyone else who is not a Stepford liberal?
*crickets*
I didn’t think so. Free speech, unfair attacks, and the language police are ONLY out there to protect the progressive/liberal/LGBT community. As far as the left and politically-correct crowd is concerned, any white/middle class/conservative-voting/church-going/professed Christian or Catholic is fair game when it comes to violence, verbal assaults, insensitive comments and down right open attacks.
The hypocrisy of our left-leaning society is amazing. No, you should never condone unfair and inappropriate verbal assaults on any group or ideology — and that includes gays, liberals, women, minorities AND conservative Christians who take a stand and openly profess their faith, their moral stands, and their core beliefs. What’s fair for one is fair for the other, people, let’s remember that.
Alabama Communist
February 8th, 2012
6:26 pm
More Breaking News On Roland Martin Remark About Crossdressing Soccer Players…A Spokensperson with the National Football Leaque Gay Community said today ” Mr Martin is correct in calling foreign Soccer Players Big Sissies. In the NFL we of the Gay community is proud to know that when our Macho Quarterbacks line up behind the Center, we are leaving a sign that the NFL has grown up in respect to our Community”
Keeping It Real
February 8th, 2012
6:26 pm
It’s funny how crackers are so quick to inject race relations into political commentary. These same people support the racist remarks by some of the GOP presidential contenders. Now they call Roland racist and are up in arms about Roland’s tweets. for instance…
“…foodstamp president…” Newt Gingrich
“…food stamps for black people…” Rick Santorum
“..dudes should be smacked if they get excited about commercial…” Roland Martin
Now which one of these is the most inflamatory? And who has been fired, I mean suspended?
“Com’ on MAN!!” ESPN
If his name was Mark Richt, he wouldn't have been suspended.
February 8th, 2012
6:30 pm
Richt can do all kind of screw-ups and never have to account for them. His irresponsibilities are sanctioned.
joe in tucker
February 8th, 2012
6:31 pm
i’m incensed over overtly sensitive people who are intolerantly sensitive!! the government needs to do something sensitive!!
61 so sue me
February 8th, 2012
6:31 pm
you know what’s really pathetic – an entire class(less) of people who define their self worth by who they sleep with.
miquelp
February 8th, 2012
6:32 pm
I can’t believe that anyone would get suspended over a remark made on Twitter.
Who gives a crap about gay or lesbian poeople. Move on.
Highlander
February 8th, 2012
6:32 pm
BTW, the commercial was stupid, too! Imagine how much money they had to pay for Beckham to do it and then to run that spot during the Super Bowl!
Yeah, people might be talking about it right now but I doubt all the talk is going to translate into more underwear sales.
mano
February 8th, 2012
6:33 pm
Enter your comments here
TruthBe
February 8th, 2012
6:35 pm
GLAAD and LBGT, are haters and fowl mouth idiots that don’t believe in GOD. The Gay Community is full of perverts, child molelesters, and sicks. The Corrupt Judges of the 9th district stoled the rights of the Voters of California. Two of the three Judges are homosexuals and voter for their special interest. Federal Judge Vaugh Walker didn’t disclose that he was in a 16 year live-in relationship with another homosexual man. Clearly this is a conflict of interest and any court we have thrown this judges discision out.
TruthBe
February 8th, 2012
6:42 pm
Keeping it real, Here’s a couple right back at you. Mayor Kasleem Reed ” Get out the vote Atlanta and don’t let Whitie Win”, Eric Holder AG after letting the racist thugs the Black Panther off in Philly quote” I won’t prosecute MY People”. Michele Obama after her husband was elected the Nation’s first President. “This is the first time in my life that I’m proud of my Country”. Do you what to rock and roll?
TruthBe
February 8th, 2012
6:42 pm
Black President
Goddess
February 8th, 2012
6:43 pm
I’m so sick and tired of the GAY community reading into, and thinking everyone is trying to say something negative that refers to them. Always happens. I’m even sicker of companies buckleing under pressure from the Gay organizations like GLAAD to either fire or suspend someone without getting a clarification from the person who said it. Has it ever occured to anyone that, commments are not targeting “Gay” people? Get a life GLAAD.
John Galt
February 8th, 2012
6:46 pm
This is crap.
GRACE
February 8th, 2012
6:49 pm
I am so disappointed in Roland. He is a very smart man & he know that he should be more responsible with his tweets. When you are a public figure you cannot tweet every drunk thought that come into your mind at a superbowl party. Maybe Jon Stewart or the other guys at comedy central but NOT an anchor at CNN.
Bad Newz!
February 8th, 2012
6:50 pm
Wouldn’t be funny to see my man, Roland Martin, join Fox News and Bill O’Reilly? Let the Bid War Begin!
ZinaElyse Lee
February 8th, 2012
6:51 pm
I would expect this from FOX but never from CNN. I guess it is fair to say you are both are in the GOOD OLD BOYS CLUB when it comes to minorites and justice. A guy tweets an off handed remark and you want to take his job away. Shame on you and if you do not put Roland Martin him back on the air asap I will never watch CNN again. Beckham should be outraged at this over a stupid commerial, why doesn’t he speak up?? I saw the tweet and the commerial and to me neither was a big deal.
Rabbit
February 8th, 2012
6:53 pm
This is almost some sort of twisted “Stalinistic,” politically-correct environment we’re living in now where there’s a policeman at every corner. For heavens sake! I’m gay, but I don’t see the big deal in what Roland said. I bet I’m about to be verbally assassinated by some of my own now because they can’t be happy unless they have something to be angry about. Peace to all.
GTmon
February 8th, 2012
6:58 pm
I bet Anderson Cooper had something to do with his firing. What a rainbow slurper that dude is!
Sumpin
February 8th, 2012
6:59 pm
So CNN suspends the liberal guy when he says something dumb…but when Right wing extremists and CNN pundit Dana Loesch says “of members of the United States Marine Corps urinating on the bodies of dead Afghans and suggested that had she been present, she would have joined in.” It’s all crickets over at CNN. What hypocrites.
johnnywad
February 8th, 2012
7:09 pm
I don’t like them fudge divers either.
Rich
February 8th, 2012
7:11 pm
Free speech. Nope. What was so offensive ? Glaad offends me ! Can we stop this jumk ! Why does a minority group, get it’s say ! Ellen Degeneris (however you spell her name) offends me, does that mean she get’s taken off the air ? Rosie Odonell offends me, can we stop putting her on the air? All gay shows offend me, can we stop airing them ?
We have to listen to their crap, I have to see the channel as I am surfing. How about stop being offended or stooping to their crap !?
truthbtold
February 8th, 2012
7:12 pm
Twitter is the dumbest thing to ever happen for anyone in the public eye. Anyone who has to answer to anyone else for a living – you would be smart to close your Twitter account. It will only get you in trouble. Are people too stupid to realize this yet? Uncensored, unedited statements put out there for all the world to see will only come back to bite you.
Mr. Man
February 8th, 2012
7:12 pm
CNN, you were probably looking for a reason to get rid of this black man anyway this was just a way to do it. Stop the crap, you parade a woman around on your show for New Years night to help with your ratings….who wants to see that, I’m amazed how far the company has dropped since I worked for you!! I’m so glad I left, you were concerned about news at one point, I will say it if no one else will say it the “gay lifestyle is wrong” I don’t care how many people vote for Gay rights. You are wrong and for CNN to try and appease that perverted culture just goes to show how the mighty continues to fall. Now fire me…..you can’t I quit 11 years ago.
NOT OFFENDED
February 8th, 2012
7:16 pm
The comment wasn’t that offensive to me as gay man. A sincere apology and I’m cool.
All the guy had to say was; “Gee, I’m sorry for the thoughtless and insensitive remark I tweeted. I was going for a cheap laugh without regard to the hundreds of gay men and women who face emotional and physical abuse every day due to their sexuality. I was wrong and I apologize.” End of story
Instead, and this is where I get offended, he tries to pass it off as “SOCCER phobia”? Please, that don’t even pass the smell test. I may not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but my father raised no fools.
home&home
February 8th, 2012
7:17 pm
There is nothing more idiotic that comments citing “freedom of speech”. This is not a freedom of speech issue. He’s not in jail is he? He, and anybody else for that matter, can say whatever the heck you want because you have freedom of speech. However, this freedom only keeps you from government prosecution, not suspension or termination from your employer.
Rich
February 8th, 2012
7:18 pm
Somebody called CNN good ole boys…are you kidding me ? CNN (Clinto News Network) they are as biast as ever ! I hope GLAAD goes after them sues them for every liberal and social misjustice they can find, because CNN deserves it ! Then maybe they won’t be so biased in their reporting ! Then maybe they will report on how corrupt these liberal groups really are ! How about go after GLAAD’s funding ? See if they are swaying judges, oh let’s see in California ?
Mz. E
February 8th, 2012
7:18 pm
Come on we are getting way to sensitive…..Before they all came out of the closet and profess their life style openly it was OK ….. now that it is on the political circuit its now a taboo? I’m sure those who are comfortable within that lifestyle is not all tight a** about the comment. Geez!!!!!!! homophobic overkill…
ABO 2012
February 8th, 2012
7:20 pm
I betted he tweeted his best buddy B. Obama ! LOL
Elmo Grogan
February 8th, 2012
7:31 pm
ZzzzzzzzzzzzzzZ…….
Elmo Grogan
February 8th, 2012
7:34 pm
P.S. “Phobia” means fear. “Homophobic” is an idiotic non-word. We don’t fear them, we just don’t want their agenda constantly crammed down OUR throats. Pun intended.
taylor
February 8th, 2012
7:47 pm
CNN ‘the world leader in controlling their employees at work and at home”
Houston
February 8th, 2012
7:50 pm
As far as I can see, Roland didn’t say anything about the Gay community. It is so sad that an organization such as LGBT would want to see a man’s lively hood ruined and over nothing. By the way, last time I checked, we still have freedom of speech. It’s so sad that we have conformed to man’s ways and not God’s. CNN, give me a break.
taylor
February 8th, 2012
7:51 pm
He is actually pretty lucky, if it had been anybody else (not on air talent) they would have been terminated
Swann
February 8th, 2012
7:53 pm
What did he say that was offensive? Is “ish” offensive, and if so why? Obviously I am out of the loop.
Del
February 8th, 2012
7:57 pm
His television commentary was abysmal to begin with. CNN probably saw this as an opportunity. Now, what to do with all the other schmucks?
Not Disappointed
February 8th, 2012
8:05 pm
My Gay friends/co-workers talk more crap than that! He apologize, so move on!
PLEASE! This is BS!
freddie
February 8th, 2012
8:06 pm
HOmosexuality is the biggest threat to mankind.
ramblinwreck80
February 8th, 2012
8:06 pm
don’t watch CNN and don’t know this moron…and I too get fed up with all the “groups” whining when someone makes what THEY deem is a negative remark…people are just WAY too uptight these days…but the ad was Beckham in skimpy underwear…the crap apology/excuse that is was “soccer oriented” is BS big time…
Co-pilot
February 8th, 2012
8:08 pm
So, it’s okay to beat the ‘ish’ out of Soccer players?
Don't You Get It Now, Roland?
February 8th, 2012
8:09 pm
Roland, come on over to the Republican Party and help us convert the other politically correct weirdos. Hope you now understand your actions as a big LIB have consequences!
Mike
February 8th, 2012
8:15 pm
Mr. Martin deserves a medal for his remarks against a soccer player. Soccer is a bigger threat to this country than terrorism. Grown men running around aimlessly…faking injuries….celebrating 0-0 ties as actually being wins.
We have this Beckham guy being paraded around in his underwear and an American patriot calls this blatant attack on our culture out and he’s suspended?
Honestly, if you are like me and hate soccer and don’t want crappy Euro shirtless dude ads on your TV, we should probably start a picket line outside CNN tomorrow.
Joeybitenmyass
February 8th, 2012
8:17 pm
*****FLASH****** Obama to have erik holder investigate the suspension as a hate crime.
melvinowens
February 8th, 2012
8:19 pm
this is just plain ignorant. this man did not use the word gay in his tweet. this society has become super sensitive.
bud
February 8th, 2012
8:21 pm
Proud the fool is gone. Just a waste of air time
Mossy Oak
February 8th, 2012
8:29 pm
Live by the sword,die by the sword.This guy is the first one to make a big deal out of something remotely racist so there ya go…………
Kris
February 8th, 2012
8:34 pm
I just want him fired. He’s not funny, clever, or anything great. I’m not offended by the comment but if it sheds light on how lame he is, perfect. Fire his fat ass. You want freedom of speech, this is the right step in the right direction. After they can his wide ass, he can say whatever the hell he pleases. Oh, but no more paycheck. See how this works? Always the gay ones making sideway comments just to fit in with society. I’m sure most his family and all his guy friends think of him as a guy who would be excited about the David Beckam commercial.
And Dana Loesch is NOT suspended
February 8th, 2012
8:37 pm
What comes out of her MOUTH is something of pure HATE.
Vote For Obama Because He's Black
February 8th, 2012
8:43 pm
This guy plays to a dumbed down subculture of “you owe me”.He has no talent,that’s why he’s at CNN and not Fox news.
dre
February 8th, 2012
8:50 pm
Don’t go lumping all black folks into the overly sensitive group. This is about big-mouthed Roland Martin. He MIGHT echo some sentiment of about 10 percent of black folks and an even larger percent of Americans in general. He is a crude brother and acts like he has a big chip on his shoulder because he’s got some celebriy status. He bumps his gums a bit too much anyway, which is why I don’t find him credible. Call it what it is, — he’s an employee that violated the company’s policies. He’s a 24 hour representative of CNN as long as he’s on their payroll and anything he says might as well be interpreted as being condoned by CNN. They slepped his wrist but he deserves any punishment they dole out for tarnishing their brand.
Not surprised
February 8th, 2012
8:55 pm
A bigoted christian?? No way!!
MeSo
February 8th, 2012
8:58 pm
Very amusing when a purveyor of political correctness and a contributor to the permanent-victim status mindset in our culture gets whacked by the PC police and a non-preferred subset of the permanent-victim club.
I’m disappointed though as when I saw the headline that Mr. Martin was being suspended, I thought it would be over some of his racist commentary, not this.
Sorry, but this perceived “offense”, like most these days that result in subjective politically-correct and/or opportunistic knee-jerk responses, is not sufficiently egregious for someone to get suspended over. You blew it yet again, CNN.
SCREW GLAAD
February 8th, 2012
9:00 pm
NOTHING from GLAAD about the kid who got pummeled the other day though. To HELL with them!
Rush Limbaugh
February 8th, 2012
9:14 pm
Is there any way Obama can be blamed for this? What about Blacks as a whole? Are they good for the scapegoat here? We KNOW all Blacks think alike, right? Right? No? Oh. Okay.
Moving on then
Rush Limbaugh's Mulatto Tranny Mistress
February 8th, 2012
9:15 pm
Rushy come here and take your “meds” love. We’re in for a long night anyway, come come let’s go.
Circa1944
February 8th, 2012
9:22 pm
I am tired of the homophobic agenda. Martin’s comments were clearly advocating slapping the
$!@# out of a “dude” for looking at another “dude” in his underwear. How is that not directed towards gay men? As a PRIVATE employer, CNN has the right to sanction its employee Martin for his offensive and sophomoric comments. Free speech protects governmental intrustion on speech, not a private employer’s personnel decision.
Guido
February 8th, 2012
9:33 pm
Well said, MeSo. I too would have thought that Martin’s racist, incoherent rants would eventually land him in trouble, not some perceived slight of an allied class…
Rush
February 8th, 2012
9:48 pm
Suckers…….
Darryl
February 8th, 2012
10:01 pm
Welcome to the world of the white male Roland.
Who? CNN?
February 8th, 2012
10:26 pm
Is CNN still on?
Where Jesse?
February 8th, 2012
10:28 pm
Where Al?
Old School Al
February 8th, 2012
10:30 pm
I may have missed some of the news, but has GLAAD or any other LGBT group boycotted Miller for their “man card” commercials?? They seem to be more homophobic than the Martin tweet.
As a Black man, I don’t really care for much of H & M’s clothing either — it just doesn’t fit — that is unless you want the pants to fit under your behind. I’m average sized (32-34 waist), but everything I tried on there had to be at least a 38-40 to fit on my waist! Everyone is NOT made for skinny jeans!
Bishop E Long
February 8th, 2012
10:31 pm
Come see me bro….I’ll make you a King too.
RD
February 8th, 2012
10:42 pm
You must be gay for being angry at this. I will not watch CNN again, that one is stupid he did not direct this at anyone.He also did not say male. SMDH
pfffft
February 8th, 2012
10:44 pm
to all of you gay men saying you just want an apology. he doesn’t owe you any apology. it wasn’t a racist comment you over sensitive drama queens. take that either way you please, i don’t care. as a gay man you can make any comments you want with out fear of repercussions because if anyone complains we are discriminating against gays. but if a straight person speaks their mind, they are discriminating against gays. want equality, you must give equality.
enterprise mony business - CNN’s Roland Martin suspended for homophobic tweets – Washington Post (blog)
February 9th, 2012
2:01 am
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