Bernie Kosar Claims He Was Fired From Broadcasting Job Because Of Slurred Speech

Bernie Kosar has been fired from the Cleveland Browns preseason broadcast team, and the former Brown thinks injuries suffered during his NFL playing time are to blame.

Kosar suffered a number of concussions over the course of his career, leaving him with permanently slurred speech. The former Browns quarterback said this speech impediment was the root of his dismissal.

Bernie Kosar addressed the issue this week, via the Akron Beacon-Journal:

“I was informed yesterday by the Cleveland Browns and WKYC that I have been replaced as a 2014 preseason game day color commentator. I believe that this decision stems from my slurred speech impairment, which is a direct result of the many concussions I received while playing in the NFL. This is very unfortunate, as I believe my football acumen and ability to describe what is happening on the field, has been well received by Cleveland Browns fans. I love to put the personal touch, pride in the Browns, and pride in our Cleveland community into the broadcast. Being able to share these preseason games with my fellow Cleveland Browns fans is truly one of the remaining joys in my life. I would hope that WKYC would reconsider utilizing my in-game talents and overlook my concussion-induced impairment. I want everyone to know that I still bleed Brown and Orange.”

The Browns have addressed the issue, saying they are excited to look for “additional opportunities to engage Bernie with our fans.”

Bernie Kosar has clashed with the team in the past. Last year, team CEO Joe Banner admonished Kosar over remarks he made about St. Louis Rams backup quarterback Kellen Clemens. When Kosar heard that Clemens had visited the Pope, the analyst quipped, “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. I have to watch him the whole fourth quarter.”

Rams coach Jeff Fisher took issue with Kosar after the contest.

“I feel bad for [the Browns] that they had someone doing the broadcast who would feel the need to speak that way about players,” Fisher told ESPN. “I’m just surprised that Bernie has such a lack of respect for players and for this game.”

It is unclear if Bernie Kosar remains with the team in any other capacity.