Rays Sideline Reporter Canned For Racially Charged Comments

Tampa, FL — A 35-minute interview with Barstool Sports has reportedly ended Emily Austen’s association with Fox Sports Sun. The Tampa Bay Rays’ sideline reporter is accused of dropping a number of racially charged comments during the interview that appeared on Facebook.

Austen was captured on video during the interview saying such things as she didn’t “even know that Mexicans were that smart,” and discussing how she “used to talk to Jews in Boca” while working as a waitress. She also pointed out the “Chinese guy is always the smartest guy in the math class.”

The video was initially posted on Barstool Sports’ Facebook page during a live broadcast via Facebook Live. It was later taken down, but not before someone managed to save and upload it to Vimeo.

Fox Sports Florida senior vice president Steve Tello issued a statement Friday. That statement, sent to Patch, reads as follows:

We were made aware that Emily Austen appeared in a social media video unaffiliated with FOX Sports in which she made insensitive and derogatory comments. She was not speaking on behalf of FOX Sports, nor do we condone any of the statements she made in the video. Emily has been advised that her comments were unacceptable, and she is not scheduled to appear on any upcoming FOX Sports Florida or FOX Sports Sun broadcasts.

The Rays also made a statement supporting Fox’s decision to cut ties with Austen following the Barstool Sports interview.

Austen, 27, is a Gaither High School graduate. She earned her degree from Florida Atlantic University, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

Patch is not publishing the video due to its graphic content, but those who wish to view it may do so on Vimeo.