Collinsworth sorry for ‘ insult’
Earlier this season, Cris Collinsworth and his NBC “Sunday Night Football” broadcast partner, Al Michaels, caught flak for making jokes about being required by local health officials to wear masks while calling a 49ers game at Levi’s Stadium.
With Michaels off this week, replaced by Mike Tirico, Collinsworth found himself in hot water again.
During the second quarter of the RavensSteelers broadcast Wednesday, Collinsworth said in reference to Pittsburgh, “Everybody’s a fan — in particular, the ladies that I met. They have really specific questions about the game, and I’m like, ‘ Wow.’ You’re just blown away by how strong the fans are here in this town.”
The backlash online was swift, prompting Collinsworth to issue an apology statement posted on Twitter.
“Today on our broadcast, I made reference to a couple of women I met in Pittsburgh who so impressed me with their football knowledge that I wanted to tell their story on the air,” Collinsworth wrote. “I know the way I phrased it insulted many. I’m so sorry. What I intended as a compliment to the fans of Pittsburgh became an insult.
“I’m sick about insulting any fan, but especially female fans and journalists. I know firsthand how much harder they have to work than any of us in this industry. I was wrong and deeply apologize.”
WR Gordon’s suspension lifted
The NFL conditionally reinstated wide receiver Josh Gordon, who can begin the process of joining the Seahawks’ roster as early as Friday. He can’t practice with the team until Dec. 21 but would be eligible to play in their final two regular- season games.
Gordon was suspended last December after his latest off- field transgression for violations of the league’s substance- abuse policies. He tested positive for performance enhancers and “substances of abuse,” the league said in a statement at the time. It was the eighth time he had been suspended by either his team or the NFL, including six times since 2013.
Knee updates for Burrow, Dupree
Bengals rookie quarterback Joe Burrow’s knee surgery Wednesday “went as planned and he is expected to make a complete recovery” and play next season, the team and coach Zac Taylor said Thursday. His season ended Nov. 22 when he was hit by Washington pass rushers and his leg was bent severely.
† Steelers linebacker Bud Dupree is confirmed to have torn the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee Wednesday against the Ravens, ending his season.