The announcer who made the questionable "Cotton-Picking" call during Wednesday's season finale between the Memphis Grizzlies & Oklahoma City Thunder did not escape without punishment. Brian Davis, the team's play-by-play announcer referred to Russell Westbrook's hot hand with an indefensible remark: "Westbrook is out of his cotton-picking mind.” Suffice to say, his use of metaphor fell short of scholarly praise.
The insensitive comments have led his employers to suspend him for one game, the all important playoff opener. The team might be better equipped to handle the incoming cavalry without the off-court distraction. They will eventually meet their maker, as the postseason progresses.
The remarks have also auspiciously landed him the distinction of the Breakfast Club's "Donkey of the Day." Charlamagne used Brian Davis' remarks as an excuse to give his white viewers a lesson in ascendancy.
Brian Davis managed to offer both an apology and a plea of innocence within the same breath.
“It is with great remorse and humility that I accept this suspension for the insensitive words I used during Wednesday’s broadcast. While unintentional, I understand and acknowledge the gravity of the situation."
"I offer my sincere apology and realize that, while I committed a lapse in judgement, such mistakes come with consequences. This is an appropriate consequence for my actions.”