2nd newscaster "accidently" says "Martin Luther Coon Jr."
ST. LOUIS — A St. Louis newscaster has apologized for what he called an unintentional racial slur while referencing Martin Luther King Jr., nearly two weeks after the same phrase cost another broadcaster his job.
KTVI-TV's Kevin Steincross said during a Thursday morning broadcast that an upcoming tribute would honor "Martin Luther Coon Jr." Steincross apologized during a later broadcast, saying he has "total respect for Dr. King, what he meant and what he continues to mean to our country."
KTVI says managers spoke with Steincross and believe the phrase was inadvertent and not reflective of his "core beliefs." Vice President of News Audrey Prywitch says no additional discipline is planned.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/st-louis-tv-newscaster-apologizes-accidental-slur-involving-martin-luther-n960191
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It was a 50-ish looking man at a local Diner in the deep south on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The camera crew was out talking to whoever wanted to get on camera, and as they spoke with him, he suddenly blurted out "Dr. Coon"... and immediately realized what he'd said. He got a goofy, apologetic look on his face, began to spit and stammer, and corrected himself... and got off camera real quick. His entire segment was aired un-edited and TBH, it was the first time I'd ever heard the disrespectful slur.
The second time was in an email from someone I've known since childhood. A Friend's cousin had moved to FL a decade ago, and contacted me sporadically. About a year ago she typed the slur of Dr. King's name into an email and I was stunned. I can understand someone making a verbal slip-up like the guy on the news - they're accustomed to blurting it out. BUT when you type it into an email, you've got plenty of time to correct it - which she didn't.
My reply to her was to quote her slur, and simply say: "Wow - that was really ignorant." Then I removed her from my contact list, blocked her, and emailed my Friend regarding what had happened. My Friend later told me that her cousin ranted and raved for 2 LONG emails till she got it all out.
Her anger and frustration is pathetic, but it makes me smile inside to know that the blunt truth can make people like her seethe for so long... and I hope she remembers my words often. 
The only time I use the word "coon" is part of the phrase "Maine coon cat", as one of my cats is at least part MCC.
