Griese apologizes for remark about NASCAR's Montoya

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MARTINSVILLE, Va. (AP) -- ESPN broadcaster Bob Griese apologized twice Saturday for a remark he made about NASCAR driver Juan Pablo Montoya while announcing the Minnesota-Ohio State game.

During the broadcast, ESPN ran a graphic listing the top five drivers in NASCAR's Chase for the championship points race. Fellow analyst Chris Spielman asked where was Montoya, who is Colombian. Griese replied that he was "out having a taco."

As the game was wrapping up, Griese, the Pro Football Hall of Famer and former Miami Dolphins quarterback, apologized for the remark and said that Montoya is one of the best drivers in NASCAR.

At halftime of ESPN's coverage of Florida-Mississippi State, Griese apologized again.

"Earlier today on our game I made an offensive comment regarding Juan Pablo Montoya as part of a NASCAR promo. It was regrettable and I should not have said it. I really enjoy NASCAR and I follow it closely and would like to take this opportunity to apologize to Juan, NASCAR and everyone else who heard my comment," he said.

In a statement, ESPN called the remark "inappropriate."

"ESPN has spoken to Bob and he understands that his comment was uncalled for," the statement said.

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