Dexter Manley calls Troy Aikman an anti-gay slur on radio [Audio] - Los Angeles Times
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Dexter Manley calls Troy Aikman an anti-gay slur on radio [Audio]

Former Dallas quarterback Troy Aikman poses with his bust after his induction during the Class of 2006 Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony.
Former Dallas quarterback Troy Aikman poses with his bust after his induction during the Class of 2006 Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony.
(Doug Benc / Getty Images)
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Former Redskins player Dexter Manley took the Washington-Dallas football rivalry to a new low Monday by referring to Cowboys legend Troy Aikman as “a queer” during an interview on WTOP radio.

Apparently the one-time Pro Bowl defensive end fancies himself a pretty funny guy and had been yukking it up about such hilarious topics as the Redskins’ loss to Denver on Sunday making him kick his dogs and Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning causing defenders to pee their pants.

At the end of the appearance, Manley was tossed one last softball of a question, with one of the hosts wondering if the Redskins were jinxed by the fact that Aikman was the color commentator on CBS’ broadcast of the previous day’s game.

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With a couple of quips about animal abuse and urination already under his belt, Manley still had one last zinger left in him: “I think Troy Aikman’s a queer.”

Hysterical.

Credit to hosts Mike Moss and Bruce Alan for immediately informing their guest that his comment was inappropriate and asking Manley if he wanted to apologize to Aikman.

“No. I’ll just say I take that back,” said Manley, who eventually did apologize while still trying to chuckle his way out of the situation.

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WTOP released a statement later in the apologizing for the “offensive and derogatory comment” and stating that Manley will no longer appear on the station. Manley had been a regular guest on WTOP and had some interesting insights to offer, particularly as someone who has undergone brain surgery two times.

Manley offered a real apology via email later in the day:

“In an interview with WTOP radio Monday, while intending to be funny, I used a slur to refer to Troy Aikman. It was wrong and insensitive. Anyone that knows me knows that’s not who I am in my heart or mind. I want to apologize to Troy, but I mostly want to apologize to anyone else I offended. Like a lot of people in these times, I have to realize that what I thought was funny years ago doesn’t work now. I’ll do my best to make sure it doesn’t happen again and hope you will accept my apology.”

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