SHORT TAKES : Cleveland Gets On-Air Apology
Jerry Van Dyke, in his role as dimwitted Luther Van Dam from “Coach,” apologized on the air for having knocked Cleveland two weeks ago in a promotional spot for the ABC comedy, and the mayor accepted.
The apology came in a promo as well. It was aired during the “Monday Night Football” game between the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals.
“I just want to say that I’m sorry, Cleveland, and I love Cleveland and I love the people in it,” Van Dyke said.
Mayor Michael R. White replied: “The Cleveland of today and the Cleveland of 15 years ago are vastly different places. I think the apology frankly recognizes that there has been a major improvement.”
The joke that got Cleveland so mad was broadcast Oct. 8 during a Monday night game between Cleveland and Denver.
Van Dyke, a football coach in “Coach,” said in the promo, “I think the problem with Cleveland is, even if you win, you lose. You still got to go home to Cleveland.”
Earlier in the football season, a “Coach” promo made the same joke about Buffalo, incensing residents of that city.
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