KDKA-TV Producer Fired Over Tom Brady Cheater Graphic Speaks Out

PITTSBURGH, PA - The KDKA-TV producer fired over a graphic that labeled New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady a “known cheater” said he was shocked over his abrupt dismissal.

Michael Telek, 27, was bounced for producing the cheater chyron that aired on KDKA’s Monday afternoon newscast. He told Deadspin he merely was attempting to liven up a deadly dull Super Bowl segment the station had received from its corporate headquarters.

“I mean, it’s Pittsburgh - we hate the Patriots, we hate Tom Brady,” he said. “So it was a little wink for fans.”

Telek said he first was told he would receive a written reprimand for the prank, but on Tuesday he was terminated by his manager.

Friends immediately set up a GoFundMe page to assist him financially while he is unemployed. Telek said that once he finds a new job, he plans to donate the contributions to a charity in Brady’s name.

Telek told Deadspin he believes the Patriots will defeat the Los Angeles Rams in Sunday’s Super Bowl.

“I’m gonna bet on Tom Brady without a doubt. I love Tom Brady, I think he’s the best,” he said. “It was supposed to be a little wink for all the Steelers fans. But apparently it went too far.”

Photo: Getty Images.

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