A two-time Emmy-nominated sports anchor in Connecticut is out of a job after he called Republican Sen. Tim Scott “Uncle Tom” on social media Wednesday.
Fred Gerteiny, a sports anchor at News 12 Connecticut, tweeted, “Thanks Uncle Tom,” in response to Mr. Scott saying President Trump likely “misspoke” when he told the right-wing group Proud Boys to “stand back and stand by” during Tuesday night’s first presidential debate.
News 12 said in a statement Wednesday night that it fired Mr. Gerteiny due to its “zero tolerance policy for racism.”
“News 12 Connecticut learned on Wednesday afternoon that one of its anchors acted inappropriately on social media,” the statement read. “After reviewing the incident, the network released sports reporter, Fred Gerteiny, as a result of a racially insensitive comment. News 12 Networks has a zero tolerance policy for racism or improper conduct based on race, and prides itself on being an objective and unbiased multi-platform news company.”
Mr. Gerteiny’s staff page and Twitter account have since been deleted.
