Schott’s Apology Accepted, but She Will Face Scrutiny

Cincinnati minority leaders have accepted Marge Schott’s apology for using racial slurs and will be watching to see whether the Reds’ owner keeps her promises to hire more minorities.

Schott met for nearly three hours Friday with local leaders who were upset with her use of racial slurs and other offensive remarks that were revealed in a deposition last week.

“It will get harder before it gets easier,” Cincinnati councilman Tyrone Yates said. “But there was enough of an opening that gives people cause for hope and shows we’re on the right road.”

The deposition was part of a lawsuit by a former Red employee against Schott. The former employee, Tim Sabo, claims he was improperly fired. The suit, which has been dropped pending appeal of a judge’s pretrial ruling, also said Schott discriminates in hiring practices.

Schott has said she is not racist and denied that she discriminates in hiring.