“Language Expert” Frank Luntz Uses Anti-Gay Humor on CBS
November 17, 2009
Sunday, Dr. Frank Luntz appeared on NFL Today on CBS to discuss the communication skills of football players and coaches. Luntz is the author of several business books, including Words That Work: It’s Not What You Say, It’s What People Hear. He also owns a company called “The Word Doctors”, which specializes in “message creation and image management”.
NFL Today invited Luntz to the program as a self-professed “language expert”, to determine which players communicated well, and which did not. One player that fell into the “bad” category was Terrell Owens. A short news clip of Owens shows him wearing sunglasses, a hat, and earrings in both ears.
Luntz expressed his disapproval of Owen’s appearance by saying that “millions of young people look to these football players as role models…lose the sunglasses, lose the hat, take it seriously.”
Another commentator asked Luntz what he thought of Owen’s earrings. Luntz’s snarky reply was “that may work in San Francisco.”
In one breath, Luntz speaks of being a good communicator and role model, and in the next, utters a slightly-veiled gay joke. It’s time that Luntz and CBS realize that men of all orientations wear earrings, that the LGBT community does not exist solely in San Francisco, and that the LGBT community can no longer be used as a punchline for tired old jokes.
GLAAD is reaching out to CBS Sports for an apology and to educate them on how words and images matter.
You can view the video here:
Chris Jericho Gives Insincere Apology After Using Anti-Gay Slur
November 5, 2009
WWE Wrestler, Chris Jericho, made an appearance at the Sacramento Horror Film Festival two weeks ago to promote his new movie, Albino Farm. On stage at the screening, Jericho made several offensive comments against Middle Easterners and the LGBT community.
Jericho repeatedly referred to the MC of the event as “Hadji” which prompted him to check Jericho’s cup for alcohol. In response, Jericho said “it’s apple juice, f*g.” Also, at the end of his stint on stage, Jericho announced the headline that he expected to see on T
MZ the following day: “Jericho Says Albinos are Gay.”
Just a few short months ago Jericho’s boss, Vince McMahon, apologized for his offensive language and agreed “that people should be more cognizant about their usage of the word ‘gay’”.
After being shown the video documenting his offensive language, Jericho said “I realize some inappropriate comments were made and I apologize if I offended anybody. Just know that everyone on stage was having a blast and we all shared a drink and a laugh after! The good news is I got my wish of being posted on TMZ.”
In response to Jericho’s behavior and apology, Jarrett Barrios, President of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) said, ”Just three months ago Chris Jericho’s boss and WWE Chairman Vince McMahon acknowledged to GLAAD that words matter. There is no time, context or occasion in which it is acceptable to utter racist and anti-gay slurs. Jericho’s hollow apology ‘if (he) offended anyone’ is a template used by many and is insincere and worn.”
Related Posts:Media Paying Attention to LGBT Sport Issues
November 4, 2009
The media is starting to pay close attention to stories surrounding LGBT athletes, fans and coaches. Within the past few days, there have been several reports drawing attention to anti-gay comments made in the sports world.
This is a big change from just a few years ago when, in 2006, Jay Mariotti was called a f***ing f*g by Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen. Many members of the press heard Guillen’s hateful words, but only one reported on it. Today, reports of homophobic behavior are more visible and abundant and journalists are paying close attention.
France
Louis Nicollin, the president of French soccer team, Montpellier, faces a possible two month suspension after using an anti-gay slur to insult another player. This past weekend, Montpellier lost 2-1 to Auxerre. After his team’s loss, Nicollin used an anti-gay term to describe Auxerre midfielder Benoit Pedretti. He also threatened Pedretti and told him that his athletes would “take care of him” when the teams play each other again early next year.
He has since apologized for the comment, but will still appear in front of the French Football Federation’s ethics commission on Nov. 16.
Denmark
A Danish soccer team, FC Midtjylland, has fired its star goalie, Arek Onyszko, for homophobic remarks published in his new autobiography. The book, F**king Polack, was released yesterday. In a detailed passage, Onyszko wrote “I hate gays, I really do. I think it’s f***ing disgusting to hear them talk to each other as if they are girls. I can’t be in the same room as someone who’s gay. Look at them kissing each other – it’s sickening.” He also likened gays to “vomit” and criticized female sports r
eporters.
Last year, Onyszko was fired from his former soccer team after being convicted of assaulting his ex-wife. He served three months in prison before signing with FC Midtjylland.
The team asked Onyszko to stop writing his memoir and focus on soccer, but the writing continued. FC Midtjylland’s Jens Ørgaard explained “We felt we did the right thing in the summer when we offered Arek Onyszko a new chance after his conviction. He was punished and like everyone else needed help to get back on his feet again. But lately he has abused our trust… despite warnings, he continued to work on the book project.”
Ørgaard had no idea the book was being published, and as a result, has released Onyszko.
Dallas
Outsports.com is reporting that Drew Gooden, a player for the Dallas Mavericks, used an anti-gay slur in referring to two Los Angeles Clippers fans after Saturday night’s game. Clippers fan, Chris Wylde, was sitting courtside with a friend and vocally enjoying the game. Afterwards, the two were souvenir shopping when Gooden walked by, pointed to Wylde and apparently said “there’s that fa**ot.” Next, he pointed to Wylde’s friend and said “there’s that other fa**ot.”
Wylde quickly e-mailed Mavericks’ coach Mark Cuban from his Blackberry to alert him to his player’s poor behavior. Cuban responded within minutes and replied “I appreciate you telling me. I will deal w drew.” On Sunday, Cuban told Outsports.com that he would like to confirm the comment before taking further action.
Kansas City
The Kansas City Chiefs reached a settlement with running back Larry Johnson, with regard to his recent use of several anti-gay slurs. After Johnson’s agent, Peter Schaffer, filed an appeal, the Chiefs cut his suspension in half. As a result, Johnson will be docked one week’s pay, losing $315,000. He will still miss the game against Jacksonville this weekend.
Schaffer commented to the New York Times that “Larry apologized. He learned from it and hopefully other people learned from it. My hope is that people learn that something positive can come out of this and that there are words that should not be used because they demean people.”
Chicago
Along with a rise in the reporting of homophobic language and behavior, the media is also contributing to the positive representation of LGBT stories and people in sports.
In a deal that was finaliz
ed on Oct. 27, the Rickett’s family purchased the Chicago Cubs for $845 million. Laura Ricketts made history as the first openly LGBT Major League Baseball team owner. She also serves on the board of Lambda Legal, a legal organization that works for LGBT civil rights.
Ricketts spoke with The Windy City Times about her coming out experience: “I came out to my family I would say early to mid 30’s. I think for a long time I wasn’t really out to myself growing up in Omaha, Nebraska to a Catholic conservative family. It took me a while to come out to myself and not long after that I came out to them…they were all immediately supportive… I have been really really fortunate in that regard.”
The Ricketts will now begin their quest to lead the Cubs into a World Series for the first time since 1908.
USA
Finally, in an editorial, former professional hockey player Justin Bourne joined the ranks of Brendan Ayanbadejo and Scott Fujita in speaking out for LGBT equality. Bourne voiced his concerns about the treatment of LGBT people to USA Today in his article “It’s Time to End the use of Gay Slurs in Hockey.”
Bourne admits to using anti-gay slurs many times himself during his hockey career. In retrospect, he says that the prevalent anti-gay locker room atmosphere may cause many young, gay, talented players to “h[a]ng up their skates in favor of some lesser talent, strictly to find acceptance and peace of mind.”
Instead, Bourne hopes that soon these young players will have an openly gay, hockey-playing role model. He acknowledges that this player will need to be strong because “the first openly gay NHL star will elicit stereotypical responses but hopefully the 100th is just a guy who will show up in my columns for being ‘a completely overrated, third-line defensive specialist at best.’”
At the end of his article, Bourne is hopeful about positive changes and an LGBT-friendly locker room. “It’s time to acknowledge we’ve been unfair to the gay community, that the culture of our sport can be misogynistic, homophobic and cruel. More important, it’s time to make a stand that we want it to change. “
Hopefully other straight allies join Bourne’s call to arms. It’s a good first step, and the first of many that need to be taken in order to make locker rooms, playing fields and sporting venues a safe environment for LGBT athletes, coaches and fans.
Related Posts:UPDATE: Chiefs Suspend Larry Johnson
October 29, 2009
The Kansas City Chiefs released a statement yesterday announcing Larry Johnson had been issued a two-weeks suspension for “Conduct Detrimental to the Club”. He can return to practice and other team activities on November 9, the day after the Chiefs play the Jacksonville Jaguars.
.jpg)
Since this is a bye week for the Chiefs, Johnson will only sit out one game. In addition, he will not be paid for the duration of his suspension. The two week hiatus amounts to a loss in compensation for the running back, equivalent to about $660,000.
Johnson’s agent, Peter Schaffer, told the Kansas City Star that “we respectfully disagree this punishment doesn’t fit the action.” He plans to file an appeal with the Chiefs on behalf of Johnson.
The National Football League has not weighed in on Johnson’s status yet and may or may not discipline him separately.
GLAAD will continue to follow this story and provide updates.
Related Posts:UPDATE: Larry Johnson Apologizes for Use of Gay Slur
October 28, 2009
Kansas City Chiefs running back, Larry Johnson, issued a statement yesterday apologizing for his use of anti-gay epithets:
“First of all, I want to apologize to the fans of the Kansas City Chiefs and the rest of the NFL, Commissioner Goodell, the Chiefs organization, Coa
ch Todd Haley, his staff, and my teammates for the words I used yesterday. I regret my actions. The words were used by me in frustration, and they were not appropriate. I did not intend to offend anyone, but that is no excuse for what I said.”
“I also want to apologize to all the kids who view athletes as role models. I was not a good role model yesterday and hopefully I can become a better role model. We all make mistakes, and the challenge is to learn from them. I will do my best to learn from this one as I move toward becoming a better person, teammate, and member of the Kansas City Chiefs team and community.”
Currently, the NFL is reviewing the situation while Johnson has been asked to refrain from participating in practice and other team activities.
In response, Jarrett Barrios, GLAAD’s president, explained that “Larry Johnson’s apology sends an important message that there is no excuse for using anti-gay epithets. We are continuing to call on the NFL and the Kansas City Chiefs to use this unfortunate incident as a way to educate and start a dialogue with players and fans regarding the dangers of homophobia in sports.”
Related Posts:GLAAD Demands Action Against NFL Player Larry Johnson’s Use of Homophobic Slurs
October 27, 2009
Larry Johnson, a running back for the Kansas City Chiefs, has uttered several anti-gay slurs within the past couple of days. GLAAD is demanding that the Kansas City Chiefs and the National Football League take disciplinary action.
Johnson’s tirade began with a Twitter post about his head coach, following a loss to San Diego. According to the Kansas City Star when reporters approached Johnson about his comment, he uttered a gay slur under his breath while telling them to “get out of here.”
Soon after, Johnson was at it again on Twitter, fighting with a fan. Yahoo Sports monitored the conversation and caught Johnson using the anti-gay slur again.
Additionally, Outsports.com explains that Johnson’s use of the phrase “Christopher Street boy” to describe the fan is yet another anti-gay slur.
Several other media outlets are covering Johnson’s hateful words. ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown described Johnson’s comment as insensitive, and NBC Action News Kansas City reported that his inflammatory remark crossed the line. Local CBS and ABC news channels are also following this story.
“All too often this is the word that is used to ridicule and harass young gay and transgender athletes on local sports fields across America” said Jarrett Barrios, President of GLAAD. “Professional athletes who use this word need to be held accountable for giving a license to youth to bully their peers. NFL officials and the Kansas City Chiefs need to take disciplinary action to condemn this and future uses of all anti-gay epithets.”
We are reaching out to the Kansas City Chiefs and the NFL and will keep you updated.
Related Posts:Chicago-Area Student Files Complaint After Teacher Uses Anti-Gay Slur
October 15, 2009
Jordan Hunter, 17, filed a complaint against a Geneva High School teacher after the instructor used an anti-gay slur in the classroom on October 5.
According to The Advocate, David Burk, a veteran consumer education teacher, made the comments while discussing taxation and the National Endowment for the Arts.“How would you feel about your tax dollars going to pay some black f*g in New York to take pictures of other black f*gs?” Burk reportedly asked the class.
“I’m personally offended,” Hunter told the Chicago Tribune. “I just think it’s completely unacceptable for a person in that position to make any comments that are discriminatory toward any group in a classroom setting.”
Hunter was placed in an alternate class after reporting the incident to school officials.
At a meeting on Tuesday, the Geneva School District 304 (IL) voted to issue a warning to Burk. NBC Chicago reported on Thursday that “a letter of reprimand [will be] placed in his permanent file.”
Burk later admitted to the comments and read an apology to his students on Tuesday.
“The message I conveyed was insensitive and hurtful,” read Burk’s letter. “This is not what I had intended.”
Hunter, however, is not convinced that the school board’s decision is an appropriate result.
“I’m disappointed and shocked,” Hunter told NBC of the outcome. “I thought they would take it more seriously than they did. He’s more than entitled to his views and opinions, but there’s no reason he needs to express them in the classroom.”
Hunter has reached out to GLAAD and we have offered any media resources necessary to help share his story.
GLAAD will continue to monitor the media’s coverage of the Geneva School District’s response to anti-gay slurs in the classroom. Updates can be found on GLAADblog.org.
Related Posts:Media Reports Anti-Gay Slur Issued by Football Coach
July 31, 2009
University of Hawaii Football Coach Greg McMackin
On Thursday second-year University of Hawaii football coach Greg McMackin apologized for repeatedly using an anti-gay word to describe a pre-game dance the University of Notre Dame football players performed before the Aloha Bowl last December. McMackin made the remarks while speaking to reporters at a media briefing at the Western Athletic Conference football preview in Salt Lake City.
According to published reports, McMackin said:
“I know most of the coaches in the country are rooting for us to beat Notre Dame,” McMackin said. “Charlie gives this talk, ‘We do something special at Notre Dame,’ and (the players) get up and they do this little cheer … this little fa**ot dance.”
Shortly thereafter, McMackin backtracked and asked the journalists in the room not to report on what he said:
“Don’t write that ‘fa**ot’ down. I was misquoted,” he said. “Just please … cover for me,” McMackin said Thursday. “Go ahead, say ‘fa**ot dance.’ No. Please cover for me on that, too — right Karl [Benson, the WAC commissioner]? I’ll deny it. Anything else?”
About fifteen minutes after McMackin left the press conference area he came back to apologize for the use of the slur.
Despite asking the press not to report on the issue, many did. While some reported the basic facts of the case, others used it as an opportunity to explain why that kind of language has no place in any forum.
Tiffany Edwards, of the Hawaiian Beacon, wrote that McMackin probably used it (as others do) to get a laugh.
The thing is, this is our University of Hawaii football coach. He’s a role model, who, up until today, was so esteemed he was given more annual pay than our governor. If he is speaking like this at a WAC conference, imagine how he is talking with the football players in the locker room. Having reported on one of the most heinous crimes against gays, the beating death of University of Wyoming student Matthew Shepard in 1998, I really don’t have very much tolerance for any slur that perpetuates hate.
McMackin again apologized through official channels and issued a statement through the University of Hawaii:
“I sincerely apologize for the inappropriate words that I used,” he said in the statement. “My comments were out of character and I have no prejudices against anyone. I’m really upset with myself and I’m truly sorry for my remarks.”
Chicago White Sox Manager Ozzie Guillen
Although anti-gay slurs used in the world of sports is not uncommon, it’s encouraging to see more journalists report on it. In June, 2006 Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen called then-Chicago Sun-Times columnist Jay Mariotti, “a fu**ing f*g” in front of members of the press.
Greg Couch, also of the Chicago Sun-Times, witnessed the tirade and reported. Shortly after he was interviewed by AfterElton and said he was amazed that others did not write about the incident.
The University of Hawaii has not announced if it will penalize McMackin. If you wish to send your thoughts, you can contact the University of Hawaii’s Athletic Director Jim Donovan at (808) 956-7301 or athdir@hawaii.edu.
Related Posts:GLAAD Issues Statement on Perez Hilton’s Apology For Using Anti-Gay Slur
June 25, 2009
GLAAD released a statement today on Perez Hilton’s apology for using an anti-gay slur:
New York, NY, June 25, 2009 – Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton this morning wrote a blog post on PerezHilton.com where he stated that he was “sorry” and “the ‘F’ word will never be uttered from my lips again.”
“It is important and appropriate that Perez Hilton apologized to the LGBT community and his audience for his use of anti-gay slurs,” said Rashad Robinson, Senior Director of Media Programs at the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD).
“GLAAD will continue our work to educate the public on the harms of anti-gay slurs that feed a climate of hatred and intolerance against the LGBT community.”
You can read more background on the story here and here.
Related Posts:UPDATE: GLAAD Responds to Statement By Perez Hilton Regarding His Use of Anti-Gay Slurs
June 24, 2009
Perez Hilton released another statement last night, regarding his use of anti-gay slurs:
“Words can hurt. I know that very well, from both sides of the fence. The other night in Toronto, after feeling physically threatened by a verbally abusive Will.I.Am of the Black Eyed Peas, I chose the most hurtful word I know to hurl at him. I was in an out-of-the ordinary situaton and used a word that I would not utter under normal circumstances. My intention – however misguided it may have been – was to stand up for myself and tell this belligerent man that I had enough of his badgering and was not going to continue to let him berate and intimidate me. I wanted to hurt him with the word I chose, not anyone else. Unfortunately, the one who got hurt was me and, subsequently, a lot of other people. I wish none of it had happened. I can’t take it back. I did what I thought was best at the moment to stand up for myself in a non-violent yet still assertive way. Clearly, I am not homophobic. Also, I am not nor have I ever claimed to be a spokesperson for the gay community. I am just speaking for myself, a gay man. One who is labeled “flamboyant” in the media. An American that is not granted equal rights under the law. I will continue to speak out for equality and I will continue to say things that upset both gay people and straight people. Who I am as a person and what I do for a living are two separate things. I’ve come to terms with all my incongruities and am proud of who I am and what I do. In closing, words can hurt. But words should not provoke someone to violence. Stripped away from the mask of Perez Hilton, I have been extremely bothered by the public reaction to my assault. Violence should never be condoned with such statements as “It’s Karma” or “I don’t believe in violence but….”. In fact, several television and radio shows over the past couple of days echoed the sentiment “He had it coming”. Would they have said the same thing if I was a woman? Would I have “deserved it” if I had been stabbed? Or shot? Or killed? I was attacked from behind without warning and repeatedly punched in the head in a cold, disgusting and unnecessarily violent manner by Polo Molina, the road manager for the Black Eyed Peas, who I did not even speak with that evening. I did not share any words with him and his assault on me was completely unprovoked. I feel like everything happens for a reason and I leave this traumatic experience as a person with more compassion. Specifically, there was an instance last year when actor Jesse Metcalfe was attacked outside of a Hollywood nightclub by a fellow entertainer. I did not condone the violence, but I did make light of that situation. I regret that. Sincerely. There are many ways to deal with disagreements, both good and bad, but violence is never the answer. Never. I now know that first-hand. It should not be condoned, promoted or accepted. No one “deserves” to be the victim of violence. No one “has it coming.” NO ONE. And victims should not be ridiculed. I look forward to marching for equality in Washington, D.C. this October. And I look forward to standing up for my rights in a Toronto courtroom shortly, as I fully intend to seek every lawful remedy against the man that attacked me.”
Today, GLAAD responded to this statement. Rashad Robinson, Senior Director of Media Programs at GLAAD:
First and foremost it is important to remember that the violence committed against Perez Hilton is absolutely unacceptable and ought to be condemned in the strongest possible terms.
Perez Hilton’s acknowledgement that words can hurt is an important step in the right direction, and while his change of tone is welcome, he still seems to be justifying the use of the slurs.
A statement that stops short of apologizing for and disavowing the use of that slur doesn’t get us where we need to be – these are vulgar anti-gay slurs that feed a climate of hatred and intolerance that continues to put our community in harm’s way. When someone from our community uses a far-reaching media platform to promote these kinds of slurs, it sends a message that it’s OK to use these dehumanizing words.
Related Posts:This is an important moment. Now that Perez Hilton has acknowledged that words can hurt, GLAAD calls on him to take this opportunity to reflect on his use of demeaning and defamatory language against many different communities on PerezHilton.com – not as Perez Hilton, but as Mario Lavandeira, an openly gay man who just went through a scary and traumatic experience.
The Hangover Resorts to Unfunny and Offensive Gay Slurs
June 10, 2009
In The Hangover, an otherwise funny film that is currently #1 at the box office, moviegoers are greeted within the first ten minutes by an unwelcome and offensive string of anti-gay jokes.
Right off the bat, Phil (Bradley Cooper) refers to to texting as “gay.” Minutes later, the friends park in front of Stu’s (Ed Helms) house and Phil calls for his friend by yelling for “Dr. F****t!” Apparently, this meant to be a reference to the fact that mild-mannered Stu is constantly beaten down by his controlling girlfriend.
From there, the friends head to Vegas, and the remaining 80 or so minutes of The Hangover are filled with hilarious R-rated humor without another anti-gay joke to be heard. Why then did the filmmakers get lazy and go for the easy anti-gay jokes when the bulk of the film worked well without them?
It is disappointing that The Hangover’s writers could think of nothing better than to use anti-gay slurs for a few cheap laughs. Words and images matter, and this unfunny shot at gay people sends a problematic message that using these kind of vulgar slurs is acceptable. Beyond the message that it sends to non-LGBT audiences, LGBT people should be able to go to the movies without fear of hearing this kind of denigrating language.
In recent years, a growing number of filmmakers have been releasing high-quality R-rated comedies, such as Forgetting Sarah Marshall and the gay-inclusive I Love You, Man, that manage to be successful without making mean-spirited jokes at the expense of the LGBT community. The Hangover had the potential to be among that group, and it’s a shame that an otherwise funny film had to resort to such a tactic.
UFC’s Dana White Will Make it Right
April 2, 2009
I just spoke with UFC President Dana White. White expressed remorse for a video blog posted April 1 in which he uttered misogynistic and anti-gay slurs (see here) and said he “never intended to hurt the gay community.”
He will issue a new video on the UFC’s YouTube page shortly in which he will apologize for the incident.
glaadBLOG will post White’s new video blog as soon as it’s released.
Jerry Lewis Takes Anti-Gay Act on the Road
October 25, 2008
Jerry Lewis made an anti-gay slur on Australian television similar to one he apologized for using on his annual telethon a year ago. Following a news conference in Sydney Friday, Lewis, 82, was asked by a Network Ten national TV reporter for his opinion on the Australian national sport of cricket.
“Oh, cricket? It’s a f– game. What are you, nuts?” Lewis replied.
Comedian Jerry Lewis dribbles laughs while talking about his touring show in Sydney, Australia, Friday, Oct. 24, 2008.
The network broadcast the comment in full on its Friday evening news along with footage of Lewis handling an imaginary cricket bat with an effeminate gesture.
Corey Irlam, spokesman for the Australian Coalition for Equality, said, “Lewis is a world-renowned comedian but clearly this wasn’t funny.” The group called on Lewis to apologize.
Lewis apologized in September last year for using a similar anti-gay slur in Las Vegas during his annual Labor Day telethon that raises money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association
“Last year, Mr. Lewis apologized for using an anti-gay slur on live television, and expressed his desire to raise public awareness about the impact of this kind of defamation,” GLAAD president Neil G. Giuliano said. “Clearly he did not take the lessons of that unfortunate episode to heart because, in an effort to be humorous, he has once again managed to offend and defame the gay community.”
“For someone so well known for helping others, Mr. Lewis shows an incredible lack of dignity and respect when he makes comments that contribute to a climate of intolerance,” Giuliano said.
Lewis was still in Australia on Saturday and has performances booked there through Nov. 1. His Australian spokeswoman Julie Cavanagh said he did not intend to comment.
“Mr. Lewis is widely admired by many people for his talent and his charity work, so his words carry great weight,” said Rodney Croome of the Australian Coalition for Equality on Saturday. “He owes an apology to the gay community, to cricketers and to comedians for debasing their trade with his cheap homophobia.”
The broadcaster who chose to air Lewis’ statement unedited also came under fire. “Network Ten should never have given a platform for Mr. Lewis’ remarks,” Giuliano added. “The network needs to apologize to its viewers and do a better job in holding public figures accountable for their use of anti-gay slurs.”
The comedian held Friday’s news conference to promote his latest stage show that is touring Australia. It is a retrospective of his career that includes show tunes with a 24-piece band, excerpts from his scores of movies and television shows, and his trademark slapstick comedy.
Additional reporting and photo by the Associated Press
