During a September 5, 1983 Monday Night Football broadcast, Howard Cosell referred to Washington receiver Alvin Garrett as “that little monkey.” The remark drew criticism from listeners who heard it as a racial slur, but the available accounts do not establish that it got Cosell fired.
What Howard Cosell said
Cosell made the remark while describing Garrett after a reception against Dallas. The Washington Post transcribed his words as: “Jake Gibbs wanted to get this kid and that little monkey gets loose, doesn’t he?” The paper said it verified the wording against its recording of the game. The Post’s September 1983 report also noted that some listeners perceived the phrase as a racial slur.
How Cosell and Garrett responded
Cosell’s response
During the broadcast, Cosell said: “According to the reporters, they were told that I called Alvin Garrett a little monkey. Nothing of the sort and you fellows know it.” The next day, he told the Post, “I don’t remember saying that. I was being complimentary to the man all night.” He also said on his radio program that he used “little monkey” affectionately with his grandson and that the phrase had no connection to racism.
Garrett’s view and the apology
Garrett said, “I don’t think it was racial at all,” and, “It was just something that slipped. I don’t think he meant anything by it.” He also asked for an on-air apology so the incident could end. Joseph Lowery, then president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, called for an apology, saying, “While he may not have meant it as disparaging, it is offensive to many people.” The Post later reported that Cosell apologized to Lowery by telephone. Its follow-up report covered Garrett’s reaction and the apology.
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Did the remark get Cosell fired?
The available accounts do not show that Cosell was fired over the remark. He remained on Monday Night Football through the 1983 season. A 1993 Los Angeles Times retrospective says he left the program after that season, while UPI reported in December 1985 that he had quit ABC television after 20 years. Those reports establish when he left, not that he was fired or that the 1983 controversy caused his departure. The retrospective and UPI’s 1985 report describe those later exits.
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