I guess Gary Hahn thought he was working for Fox News. Or maybe, like many Americans, especially those of a certain age, he's just unaware of how offensive this sort of language is. And since Hahn began broadcasting for N.C. State in 1990 the Hispanic population in North Carolina has grown from 80,000 to around 1,000,000.
via Dictionary.com:
noun Often Disparaging and Offensive.
- a foreigner who has entered or resides in a country unlawfully or without the country's authorization.
- a foreigner who enters the U.S. without an entry or immigrant visa, especially a person who crosses the border by avoiding inspection or who overstays the period of time allowed as a visitor, tourist, or businessperson.
Source: CBS/Associated Press
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A radio play-by-play announcer for No. 25 North Carolina State was suspended indefinitely Friday after making a reference to "illegal aliens" while announcing the score of a bowl game in El Paso, Texas, during the Wolfpack's game against Maryland in the Duke's Mayo Bowl.
Gary Hahn was disciplined by N.C. State broadcast rightsholder Learfield Communications.
"Amongst all the illegal aliens down in El Paso, it's UCLA 14, Pittsburgh 6," Hahn said. "That's with 11:15 to go in the second quarter."
Wolfpack Sports Properties general manager Kyle Winchester, in a statement relayed by the school, said the broadcaster was suspended "from his agreement indefinitely following comments made during today's Duke's Mayo Bowl radio broadcast." N.C. State referred inquiries to Learfield's statement.
Sun Bowl Association executive director Bernie Olivas announced on Dec. 21 that the Bowl had canceled its annual "fan fiesta" because the city's convention center is being used to house migrants awaiting immigration decisions.
Hahn, the radio voice for N.C. State since the 1990-91 season and N.C. Sportscaster of the Year in 2010 and 2020, did not immediately respond to an email from The Associated Press seeking comment.
