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WDAE fires Dan Sileo for "Monkeys" remark about three NFL black players

By Mitch Perry on Tue, Mar 13, 2012 at 2:17 pm

The actual comment Sileo made to his co-host was, "No! No! If they get those three monkeys, I’m good! I’m ready, man. I’m ready. I want those guys. Those guys are great players."

This isn't the first time that Clear Channel management has had to issue a press release regarding Sileo's on-air comments. Or are you forgetting his completely bogus ad-libs in the fall of 2009 that the Buccaneers were in severe financial trouble because of massive financial losses incurred through investments with fraudster Bernie Madoff? (That particular bit of mouthing-off led to a suspension).

CL contacted Program Director Steve Versnick Monday night for comment about Sileo's remarks. He did not return our email.

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Dan Sileo

(UPDATE:Eric Deggans with the Times reports that Dan Sileo has now been fired).

620 WDAE, "The sports animal," was forced to issue an apology this morning after talk show host Dan Sileo made a racially charged remark on Monday morning's program.

When talking about three possible NFL free agents that the Tampa Bay Bucs might desire to sign — New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma, San Diego Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson and defensive back Cortland Finnegan with the Tennessee Titans, all of whom happen to be black — Sileo referred to them as "monkeys."

This morning a press release was issued by 620:

"WDAE would like to apologize for Dan Sileo's ill-chosen on-air remarks earlier this week. He absolutely meant no disrespect to the players and he is sincerely embarrassed and upset that his off-the-cuff remarks might be taken as hateful, disrespectful, or in any way racist. Dan and the station regret any offense to the players; to the Bucs organization; and to the people of the Tampa Bay community."