Martin Luther 'Coon' Day gets TV weatherman axed

By WND Staff
Published January 17, 2005 at 5:00pm

A TV weatherman in Las Vegas was fired yesterday for using a racial slur when referencing Martin Luther King Day on the air.

On a Saturday morning newscast, KTNV weatherman Rob Blair delivered the following extended forecast:

"For tomorrow, 60 degrees, Martin Luther Coon King Jr. Day, gonna see some temperatures in the mid-60s."

According to a report in the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Jim Prather, KTNV vice president and general manager, said Blair "stumbled" during a weather update, but added that "this kind of incident is not acceptable under any circumstances, and I'm truly sorry that this event occurred."

About 20 minutes after his weathercast, Blair told viewers at the ABC affiliate: "Apparently I accidentally said Martin Luther Kong Jr., which I apologize about – slip of the tongue."

He offered a full apology during Saturday's 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts, the paper reported, with co-anchor Christina Brown, who is black, announcing, "Right now we want to pause for a program note. Rob?"

Blair then stated: "On a weather report earlier this morning, I made an accidental slip of the tongue when talking about the Martin Luther King holiday, and what I said was interpreted by many viewers as highly offensive. For that I offer my deepest apology. I in no way intended to offend anyone. I'm very sorry."

Blair worked at the station for about three months and, according to the Associated Press, declined to comment on the incident today.