Tiki Barber Denies Using the C-Word

Former New York Giants running back and current NBC newscaster Tiki Barber is taking issue with those who think he used the C-word about 30 seconds into this clip:

After that clip got the blogosphere buzzing today, Neil Best of Newsday contacted an MSNBC spokeswoman, who passed along Barber's denial:

"I would never disrespect a colleague and friend with that kind of language,'' Barber said from Beijing through an MSNBC spokeswoman, who said Barber had no idea of a budding controversy until she informed him of it.

"It's disappointing someone would intentionally misrepresent the hard work Jenna and I are doing.'' ...

MSNBC said in a statement, "Tiki and Jenna were discussing total medal count versus gold medal counts and Tiki's words were unclear.''

I don't think Barber meant to say what it sounded like he said. But it does sound like he said it.

Sports Broadcasting Slip-Ups

Former NFL star and current NBC newscaster Tiki Barber claims he didn't let a vulgarity slip while arguing with his on-air colleague. "I would never disrespect a colleague and friend with that kind of language," said Barber. Click through to see talking heads who've created trouble for themselves.

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Controversial Comments
College hoops announcer Billy Packer has covered every NCAA Final Four since 1975, but he's also upset many with abrasive remarks over the years. For example, he went on the Charlie Rose Show in March 2007 and complained to the host, "you always fag out."

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Bernstein's Palestinian Connection
ESPN reporter Bonnie Bernstein issued a public apology after appearing on a radio broadcast and saying "People in Palestine are taught to think that dying in the name of God is a good thing ... They grow up wanting to be suicide bombers. " Bernstein made the remark during a discussion about adults who influence young NBA prospects.

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"... Looks Like the Guy Who Cleans Tiger's Swimming Pool"
NBC Sports golf analyst drew the ire of U.S. Open watchers in June when he said contender Rocco Mediate "looks like the guy who cleans Tiger's swimming pool." Miller apologized for his description, saying it had "absolutely nothing to do with his ethnicity."

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"We've Gotta Do This ----ing Thing Over"
The ever-salty Bert Blyleven, pictured here after winning the 1987 World Series, cursed up a storm on live television during a Minnesota Twins pregame show in September 2006.

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"Lynch Him in a Back Alley"
Golf Channel anchor Kelly Tilghman gained notoriety during a 2008 PGA Tour telecast when she suggested young golfers might want to take Tiger Woods and "lynch him in a back alley."

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Finding Romo's Roots
ESPN analyst On an ESPN radio show in 2006, Michael Irvin said the athletic ability of Cowboys QB Tony Romo is due to his black ancestry, stating, "I don't know who saw what or where, his great-great-great-great-grandma ran over in the 'hood or something went down."

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Broadway Joe Gets Fresh
Jets' legendary quarterback Joe Namath talked about how he is more interested in ESPN sideline reporter Suzy Kolber than his struggling Jets during a 2003 game. During a live interview, Namath says (twice) "I want to kiss you" to Kolber.

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"That's Some Nappy-Headed Hos There ..."
Broadcasting legend Don Imus' show was canceled by CBS Radio in April 2007 because of the firestorm that followed his comments about the Rutgers women's basketball team.

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One Too Many
In May 2006, former Cy Young winner Rick Sutcliffe was invited to join a local San Diego Padres TV broadcast, but gets his microphone cut off because of his slurred speech.

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