Geronimo Apologizes For Insensitive Comments

• Don Geronimo, who was fired last week from his morning gig on iHeartMedia Classic Rock WBIG (BIG 100)/Washington, has issued an apology for inappropriate comments made about WUSA9 reporter Sharla McBride during a live broadcast from the Washington Commanders’ Virginia training facility.

The full text of Geronimo’s apology, posted to Twitter, reads: “Last week, during my live radio show from the Commanders training camp, I used inappropriate words in a way that hurt someone. I deeply and sincerely apologize for the pain I caused WUSA sports reporter Sharla McBride. As has been reported, I insensitively used the terms ‘Barbie,’ ‘Barbie girl,’ and ‘chick’ when talking about Ms. McBride, a fellow broadcaster who I did not know or recognize, when she walked by our broadcast position. My attempts to be humorous and topical backfired, and I needlessly deprecated a professional colleague.”

The text continues: “I want to correct one inaccurate aspect of some media reports. Contrary to those reports, neither I nor my producer used the word ‘tight’ to describe Ms. McBride. Rather, my producer used the word ‘tight’ — a common term in the broadcast world that refers to seamless production — to describe a technical aspect of our show that day. The timing of it was unfortunately misconstrued in some reports as part of my reference to Ms. McBride.”

In closing, Geronimo said, “I have reached out to Ms. McBride to apologize. When she feels ready, I hope that we can have a conversation and that I will have the opportunity to reiterate my apology to her in person. I hope that Ms. McBride and the listeners who heard me will forgive me. I am better than this, and I promise to demonstrate that going forward.”