Photo Courtesy of ESPN
The 2023 Super Bowl was a historic moment for the NFL, but ESPN’s Chris Berman managed to take the shine off the event with his racially insensitive comments during the postgame show.
During the postgame show, Berman said, “Also, of course, two African American quarterbacks starting against each other in the Super Bowl for the first time. Fittingly, February 12th is Abe Lincoln’s birthday.”
The 67-year-old’s comments have caused widespread outrage and condemnation from fans and critics alike on Twitter.
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One user wrote, “2 African Americans starting in the Super Bow on February 12th, fittingly, it’s Abe Lincoln’s birthday” – Chris Berman…That’s so incredibly backhanded racist, it’s head-scratching to consider his mind even conjured that up.”
Another said on Twitter, “Naw, man. Ain’t no way. They couldn’t put that on a 5-second delay? I didn’t need to hear that.”
One person tweeted, “Chris Berman saying Abe Lincoln “freeing” the slaves is what made it possible for Jalen Hurts and Patrick Mahomes to play in the Super Bowl is why I believe most WS wake up and start every day with their face in a mountain of booga suga like they’re in Scarface.”
Another wrote, “During ESPN’s postgame show, veteran sportscaster Chris Berman signaled to white folks to not get caught up celebrating the 1st time in history 2 Black Quarterbacks were playing in the Super Bowl because today is Abe Lincoln’s Birthday.”
Berman has yet to issue an apology for his uncalled-for slavery reference, but honestly, we wouldn’t believe it anyways.