Gay Comment Shelves ESPNU Announcer

ESPNU color commentator Brian Kinchen will not work Saturday’s Northern Illinois-Iowa game due to inappropriate remarks during a telecast last Saturday, AP reported.

While explaining the need for receivers to make catches with their hands, he said they are "tender" and can "caress" the ball. He then paused and said, "That's kind of gay, but hey,” according to AP.

Network officials conducted an internal review and made their decision, AP reported.

Kinchen, a former tight end who played in the NFL from 1988-2000, apologized for his remarks in a statement released by ESPN, saying, “[The comments] were completely inappropriate and not at all a reflection of who I am or the way I perform my work. I have learned from my mistake and look forward to continuing my broadcasting career.”